Which method of substance use involves absorption through the nasal mucous membranes?

The method of substance use that involves absorption through the nasal mucous membranes is snorting. This technique allows drugs to enter the bloodstream rapidly via the highly vascularized mucous membranes in the nasal passage, leading to a quicker onset of effects compared to many other routes of administration. When a substance is snorted, it bypasses the digestive system and first-pass metabolism, resulting in more of the active substance being available in the system.

Inhalation typically refers to substances being taken into the lungs, where they are absorbed through the lung tissues. IV injection involves directly injecting a substance into the bloodstream, while oral ingestion requires substances to pass through the digestive system before entering the bloodstream, which can delay their effects. Snorting is specific in that it targets the nasal mucosal absorption, distinguishing it from these other methods.