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Most inhalants are common household products. They include paint thinner, fingernail polish remover, glue, gasoline, cigarette lighter fluid, and nitrous oxide. They also include fluorinated hydrocarbons that are found in aerosols, such as whipped cream, hairspray, spray paint, and computer cleaners. Used as intended, these household products are safe. When these products are sniffed, however, their toxic fumes can produce mind-altering effects. It is like making a fire (meant for the fireplace) on the living room table!
Chemical name:
Various solvents and volatile substances.
Street name:
Glue, gom
Form:
Gas lighter refills, aerosols, tins or tubes of glue, some paints, thinners and correcting fluids.
Effects:
• Effects feel similar to being very drunk; users feel thick-headed, dizzy, giggly, dreamy and may hallucinate.
• Effects don't last very long, but users can remain intoxicated all day by repeating the dose.
• Nearly all solvents and gases produce anesthesia (loss of sensation/numbness).
Duration:
Short rush with a continued intoxication.
Risks & Side effects:
• Regular abuse of inhalants can result in serious harm to vital organs in the body, including the brain, heart, kidneys, and liver.
• The vaporous fumes can change brain chemistry and may permanently damage the brain and central nervous system.
• They can cause abnormalities in brain areas that are involved in movement and high cognitive function.
• Frequent, long-term use can cause a permanent change or malfunction of nerves,called polyneuropathy.
• Certain inhalants can also cause the body to produce fewer of all types of blood cells, which may result in a disorder called aplastic anemia.
• Other symptoms seen by long-term inhalant abusers include weight loss, muscle weakness, disorientation, inattentiveness, uncoordinated movement, irritability, and depression.
Because the intoxication generally lasts only a few minutes or, at most, several hours, abusers often try to prolong the high by repeatedly inhaling the substance over several hours. With successive inhalations, users can suffer loss of consciousness or death.
Law:
It is against the law for minors to use inhalants.
Statistic:
• Of people who die of inhalant use, 1 out of 3 are first time users.
Other Questions:
If inhalants are harmful, Why do kids use them?
Many kids think inhalants are a harmless, cheap, and quick way to "catch a buzz." The chemicals in the vapors change the way the brain works, making the user feel very good for a short time. Inhalants can be found around the house or purchased inexpensively at the local grocery or general store. What kids often don't know is that, in some cases, the harmful effects of inhalants can be irreversible.
Can a person experience Long-Term effects from using an inhalant just once?
Prolonged sniffing of the highly concentrated chemicals in solvents or aerosol sprays can induce irregular or rapid heart rhythms and lead to heart failure and death within minutes of a session of prolonged sniffing. This "sudden sniffing death" can result from a single session of inhalant use by an otherwise healthy young person.
Are inhalants addictive?
Some individuals, particularly those who abuse inhalants heavily and for a long time, report a strong need to continue using inhalants. Compulsive use and a mild withdrawal syndrome can occur with long-term inhalant abuse.
How can I tell if someone is using Inhalants?
Parents, friends, and teachers should be aware of the following signs of inhalant use:
• Chemical odors on breath or clothing
• Paint or other stains on face, hands, or clothing
• Hidden empty paint or solvent containers and chemical-soaked clothing or rags
• Drunk or disoriented appearance
• Slurred speech
• Nausea or loss of appetite
• Inattentiveness, lack of coordination, irritability, and depression
It's important to remember that this form of drug-taking can cause instant death due to heart failure or asphyxiation!
Source: NIDA
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