Heroin

Snorting 2: Snorting heroin

To sniff heroin, users usually strew a thin ‘line’ of heroin powder onto a hard, flat horizontal surface like a mirror. They then close off one of their nostrils and sniff up the heroin into the other nostril through a thin tube or drinking straw moved along the line.

The heroin powder lands on the mucous membranes inside the nose. The powder dissolves there, bringing the heroin molecules into contact with the capillaries in the membranes. The molecules can easily penetrate the capillary walls.

The largest part of the heroin ultimately enters the bloodstream in this way. The remaining molecules, along with any adulterants or dilutants that fail to dissolve, are carried off down the oesophagus to the stomach.