Boofing describes a method of dissolving drugs in water and then administering the drug into the rectum. Proponents suggest this method can provide a quicker and more intense high.
There are many different routes of administering drugs. For many illegal substances, a person may choose to smoke, snort, ingest, or inject them into the body. One method individuals may consider is inserting a substance into their anus.
A person may choose to administer drugs in this way due to the intense sensation it can provide. They may also want to avoid some of the adverse effects associated with other routes, such as injecting drugs intravenously (through a vein).
Other terms that people may use for boofing can include booty bumping and plugging.
Boofing refers to a method that people may use to enjoy certain substances. Usually, it involves dissolving a water-soluble drug in water and then administering the mixture into the rectum. Typically, people use illegal drugs, such as methamphetamine or cocaine, when boofing.
The rectum is a route of administration for drugs, meaning it is a way that a drug can enter the body. Due to the thinness of the intestinal walls, the body can rapidly absorb the drug, which may produce a quicker and more intense high than swallowing.
Typically, boofing will involve mixing drugs with water, then drawing the liquid up with a clean syringe without a needle. A person will then administer the drug into their anus. Alternatively, they can use a lube injector.
A harm reduction guide advises the following safety tips for injecting drugs into the anal cavity:
- Fill the syringe with no more than 1.5 milliliters.
- Remove the needle if using a syringe.
- Lubricate the area around the anus to ease the barrel in.
- Make a farting motion to help relax the muscles.
- Push the barrel in roughly 1 centimeter.
- Sit, squat, or stand and gently squirt the liquid into the anus.
- After a few minutes, carefully pull the syringe out.
The effect and duration of boofing can vary depending on many factors, such as the individual and the substance. Currently, there is not much available research on this practice. However, a person will typically feel the effects within minutes, and it may last for hours.
A suppository is a type of drug that a person can administer up their rectum. These drugs are usually solid and will need to dissolve or melt to take effect. The onset of suppositories is usually 15 to 30 minutes. As a person will usually insert a mixture of water and drugs into their anus for boofing, it will typically take effect quicker. Some evidence suggests it may take roughly 30 seconds for drugs to enter the bloodstream from boofing.
The type of drug will also affect the onset and duration. For example, when boofing meth, it may take 3 to 5 minutes for it to take effect. A person may then feel a powerful short rush for roughly 5 to 30 minutes, although they may continue feeling the effects of meth for
When using any drugs, whether through boofing or another administration route, there are multiple health risks. These can include dependence and addiction, injury and accidents, health problems, and sleep issues.
With boofing, there is a potential risk of tearing the internal tissue of the anus, which can result in pain and bleeding. This can also increase the risk of contracting an infection, such as HIV and hepatitis. As such, a person should try to avoid receiving anal sex after boofing, and if they participate, they need to wear a condom.
When boofing, a person may also run the risk of overamping, which describes an overdose of stimulant drugs. This can result in psychological problems, such as anxiety or psychosis, or medical issues, such as heart attacks or stroke.
Mixing multiple drugs, or the contamination of drugs, increases the risk of overamping. As illegal drugs do not undergo regulation, it is impossible to know what is in the product. For example, the potent opioid fentanyl may be present in meth and cocaine.
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Additionally, it is inadvisable to try boofing if a person has hemorrhoids.
Tips to help navigate and avoid the potential risks of boofing can include:
- using a smaller dose than a person would typically snort or ingest
- dissolving the drug in sterile water
- using a suitable tool, such as a needleless syringe or lube injector
- avoiding sharing syringes or other tools with other people
- using plenty of lube when inserting the syringe or other tool into the anus
- inserting the tool slowly into the anus while in a comfortable position
- trying to maintain appropriate rectal hygiene and care
- trying to have a bowel movement before boofing
- not receiving anal sex after boofing
- if deciding to have anal sex, consider using a condom and PrEP to reduce the risk of contracting sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
Boofing is a way that people may choose to administer drugs such as meth or cocaine. It involves dissolving a substance in water and then injecting the solution into the rectum. Due to the thinness of the intestinal walls, a person can rapidly absorb the substance with this approach. This can cause a quicker and more intense sensation than using the drug through other routes.
However, due to the rapid absorption, there is a higher risk of overdose compared to other routes of administration. Additionally, there is a risk of tearing the sensitive tissue in the rectum, which can increase the risk of contracting an infection.
