What does 'skin popping' refer to?

'Skin popping' specifically refers to the practice of using a needle to inject a drug into the subcutaneous tissue just under the skin rather than directly into a muscle or vein. This method is often associated with the improper administration of drugs, particularly in the context of illicit drug use.

The key aspect of ‘skin popping’ is that it typically results in a slower onset of drug effects compared to intravenous injection, as the substance must be absorbed through the skin into the bloodstream rather than entering directly through a vein. This method can lead to complications such as infections or abscesses at the injection site due to the introduction of bacteria and other pathogens.

By contrast, injecting directly into a vein is known as intravenous injection, while injecting into muscle is termed intramuscular injection. Swallowing pills refers to oral ingestion, and mixing drugs for inhalation involves methods like smoking or vaporizing substances, which are distinct from ‘skin popping.’ Thus, the correct terminology and understanding of ‘skin popping’ highlight the specific technique involved in drug administration practices.