inhalation of drugs
a means of administering a drug—often in the form of a gas or aerosol—via the mouth or the nose (insufflation), enabling it to reach the body tissues rapidly. Anesthetics for major surgery are administered by inhalation, which permits almost instant contact with the blood supplying the alveoli (air sacs) of the lungs. Oral or nasal inhalation is also a means of self-administration of abused substances, including cannabis, nicotine, cocaine, and volatile hydrocarbons (see inhalant).