National Certified Addiction Counselor, Level I (NCAC I) Practice Exam

Which route of administration for amphetamine is considered rare due to its bitter taste?

1. Intravenous injection

2. Snorting

3. Orally

4. Smoking

The correct answer is: Orally

The oral route of administration for amphetamine is considered rare primarily due to the drug's inherently bitter taste, which can make ingestion unappealing for many users. When medications like amphetamines are taken orally, they are absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract, but the undesirable taste can deter individuals from this method. In contrast, methods such as intravenous injection or snorting tend to bypass the taste issue entirely, allowing for more rapid absorption and more immediate effects, which is often preferred by users seeking a quicker onset of action. Smoking also circumvents the taste problem while delivering the drug effectively. This information highlights the nuances of drug administration preferences and the impact of sensory factors, such as taste, on user choices.