How does smoking or injecting drugs typically affect the user?

Smoking or injecting drugs often leads to an intense high that can significantly enhance the risk of addiction. This is primarily due to the rapid onset of effects; when substances are smoked or injected, they reach the brain much more quickly compared to other methods of consumption, such as oral ingestion. This swift delivery can create a powerful, euphoric experience that users may crave repeatedly, thereby increasing the likelihood of developing a substance use disorder.

The intensity of the high is also coupled with a heightened risk of tolerance, meaning that over time users may need to consume larger amounts to achieve the same euphoric effects. This can further entrench patterns of use, making it more challenging for individuals to stop without experiencing withdrawal symptoms. Ultimately, the methods of smoking or injecting drugs increase their potential for addiction, underlying the importance of awareness and prevention in addressing substance use.