National Certified Addiction Counselor, Level 2 (NCAC II) Practice Exam Exam

Which method of administration involves injecting the psychoactive substance directly beneath the skin?

1. Intravenous (IV)

2. Subcutaneous (SC)

3. Topical

4. Sublingually

The correct answer is: Subcutaneous (SC)

The method of administration that involves injecting a psychoactive substance directly beneath the skin is known as subcutaneous administration. This technique is commonly used for delivering medications or substances in a way that allows for slower absorption into the bloodstream compared to intravenous methods. By injecting substances just beneath the skin, the effects can be more prolonged, making it a preferred method for certain medications. In contrast, intravenous administration involves injecting directly into the bloodstream, which leads to rapid onset of effects. Topical administration refers to applying substances directly on the skin's surface to allow for local effects, while sublingual administration involves placing substances under the tongue for quicker absorption into the bloodstream. Each method serves different purposes within medical and therapeutic contexts, but subcutaneous administration specifically targets the area just beneath the skin.