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

Which of the following routes of administration is known to yield the longest-lasting effects for drug users?

1. Inhalation

2. Intravenous

3. Oral

4. Topical application

The correct answer is: Oral

The oral route of administration is known to yield the longest-lasting effects for drug users due to the way the body processes substances taken this way. When drugs are ingested orally, they must pass through the digestive system before entering the bloodstream. This process typically delays the onset of effects, as the drug is gradually absorbed over time. However, this slower absorption rate often results in prolonged effects compared to methods that deliver substances more rapidly into the bloodstream, such as inhalation or intravenous administration. Inhalation delivers substances directly to the lungs and into the bloodstream almost immediately, leading to a rapid onset but shorter duration of effect. Similarly, intravenous administration provides an immediate and intense high but often leads to a quicker decline in effects as the drug is metabolized. Topical applications can also provide localized effects but are generally not known for systemic, long-lasting impacts. Therefore, the oral route's slower absorption allows for sustained levels of the drug in the system, contributing to its longer-lasting effects.