Updated on June 26, 2024
5 min read

Is Boofing Drugs Safe?

What Does “Boofing” Drugs Mean?

Boofing is a slang term for ingesting drugs through the anus for a faster high. The thin surface and the large number of blood vessels in the rectum make substances reach the bloodstream quickly.

The substances that people commonly use to boof include:

  • Heroin
  • Cocaine
  • Methamphetamine

You can consume most drugs, including alcohol, in this manner. Some associate the practice with anal sex, but this is a misconception.

Is Boofing Safer Than Injecting, Sniffing, or Smoking Drugs?

All forms of illicit drug use are dangerous. Injecting, sniffing, or smoking drugs each have their own risks. However, not using drugs is always the safest choice.

Boofing might seem safer than other methods, but it still has serious health risks. These include issues like collapsed veins and respiratory damage, so it’s best to avoid all drug misuse.

Some believe sniffing or smoking drugs is safer with precautions. But the healthiest choice is to steer clear of all illicit drugs. This avoids all related risks, including those from boofing.

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What are the Side Effects & Risks of Boofing? 

Boofing poses many risks, and these are some of its side effects.

Damage to Anus

You can accidentally tear the internal tissue of your anus, which can cause pain and bleeding. The effects of damaging your rectum from boofing include:

  • Bloody stool
  • A constant feeling of needing to use the bathroom
  • Inability to control bowel movement
  • Blocked blood flow to parts of the intestine
  • Cell death

The most severe cases will need a colostomy to fix. This type of surgery diverts part of the colon away from a damaged portion, directing it to an artificial opening in the abdominal wall.

Infection

As the mucous membrane of the anus becomes damaged, it may increase the chances of contracting a sexually transmitted infection (STI). The risk gets higher after boofing repeatedly, especially for those engaging in anal sex.

Boofing increases the risk of contracting infections like:

  • HIV/AIDS
  • Hepatitis C
  • Chlamydia-related lymphogranuloma venereum
  • Bacterial or fungal infections

Overdose

Because boofing is relatively new, so there’s no definite dosage to avoid a drug overdose. Although you might take the average amount orally, you can accidentally take too much without realizing it.

Over-Amping

You can also end up over-amping on the drug because the effects hit much faster than usual. Over-amping occurs when you experience a non-fatal overdose of amphetamines.

Alcohol Poisoning

By consuming alcohol through the rectum, you decrease your body’s ability to fight alcohol poisoning. This is because the anus doesn’t have the enzymes to break down alcohol.

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What Does Boofing Feel Like? 

Boofing allows your body to absorb drugs and alcohol quickly without injecting or drinking them. Unlike oral consumption, they don’t need to pass the digestive system before the bloodstream absorbs them.

How Long Does Boofing Take to Work?

Most people experience the effects of boofing within minutes. Depending on the substance and dosage size, it can last several hours. 

Methamphetamine typically takes about 3 to 5 minutes to take effect. Heroin tends to be faster. In some cases, it takes effect as quickly as intravenous drug use.

Symptoms of Overdose From Boofing

The symptoms of a boofing overdose include:

  • Slowed or halted breathing
  • Limp body
  • Blue-tinged fingernails or lips
  • Unresponsiveness
  • Dilated pupils
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Chest pain
  • Increased heart rate
  • Confusion or irritability
  • Seizures and shaking

If you or a loved one exhibits any of these signs, seek medical help immediately. These symptoms may progress quickly and lead to serious consequences.

Boofing results in a faster high. Some people who have used this method say they feel the sensations in their limbs and torso more than when they ingest a drug orally or smoke it. Some people also say they feel sexually aroused when boofing.

However, not all of the sensations from boofing are pleasant. Some drug users describe this method as uncomfortable, irritating, or painful.

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Do You Have a Substance Use Problem?

Recognizing that you’ve developed a substance use problem is important in recovering from the disorder. The symptoms of addiction include:

  • Failing to eliminate the use of or cut back on a substance even when you want to
  • Obsessing over substance use
  • Taking action to create an ongoing supply of the drug
  • Experiencing intense cravings
  • Focusing a lot of time on getting, using, and recovering from the substance 
  • Neglecting responsibilities at work and school 
  • Experiencing personal problems
  • Withdrawing from friends and family
  • Engaging in risky behavior 
  • Continuing use despite recognizing the harm it’s causing
  • Experiencing symptoms associated with withdrawal 
  • Developing tolerance and needing larger or more frequent doses to achieve the same effect
  • Lack of motivation or energy that isn’t focused on the use of the substance
  • Neglecting hygiene and appearance
  • Committing criminal acts to gain access to the substance

Treatment Options for Substance Use Disorder (SUD)

Many treatment options are available for people with a substance use disorder. They vary from person to person and are most effective when in combination with another treatment method.

Pharmacological Treatment

This approach uses medication to manage withdrawal symptoms, reduce cravings, and treat co-occurring conditions. Medications depend on the substance you’re addicted to.

For example, you may use methadone or buprenorphine for opioid addiction, while other medications may be necessary for alcohol or nicotine dependence. This method often works best when combined with behavioral therapy.

Behavioral Therapy

Behavioral treatments focus on modifying your attitude and behaviors regarding substance use and increasing healthy life skills. These therapies can take many forms, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, which helps recognize, avoid, and cope with situations you’re most likely to use drugs.

Other forms include motivational interviewing, which resolves ambivalence about treatment. It also involves multidimensional family therapy for adolescents with drug abuse problems to address a range of influences on their drug abuse patterns.

Click to learn more about the most effective types of addiction treatment:

Summary

Boofing is an alternative method of ingesting a drug through the anus. It involves combining the drug with water and inserting it into the anus via a syringe.

Its effects can last for several hours. However, it has risks, and you should do it cautiously.

Seek medical attention if you develop any side effects associated with boofing. Additionally, those struggling with substance use disorder should get help from trained professionals to avoid further health complications or death due to an overdose.

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Updated on June 26, 2024

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