Inhalants

T.O Phase I

History of Inhalants

Abuse of inhalants has been documented since the 1800’s. Doctors and dentists who used ether and chloroform as anesthetics in their practices commonly abused these gases.

The 1st mention of children abusing inhalants was in the early 1950’s- 2 boys sniffing gasoline fumes to achieve intoxication.

What are Inhalants?

Inhalants are usually liquids from which fumes or gases can be inhaled.

Examples include: correction fluid, glue, hair sprays, felt-tip markers, and varnish.

Kinds of Inhalants

Gaseous Anesthetics- have been used in medicine and surgery for many years. Ex: Nitrous oxide: one of the safest anesthetics when used properly. However, can cause suffocation when not used properly. Also found as a propellant in whipped cream.

Nitrates-Amyl nitrate and butyl nitrate. Sold under names such as ‘locker room’ and ‘aroma of men.’

Can cause rapid dilation of the arteries and reduce blood pressure to the brain; resulting in a period of faintness or unconsciousness.

Kinds of Inhalants contd.

Nitrates are often used by homosexual males to enhance the sense of lightheadedness at orgasm.

Volatile Solvents- glues, cooking sprays, and correction fluid.

Generally used by cupping substance in hand or on handkerchief and inhaling.

Can cause suffocation, kidney damage, brain damage, and peripheral nerve damage.

Psychophysiological Effects

After huffing, user may appear disheveled. May experience a rash around mouth or nose;

including dry, cracked skin. Eyes may appear irritated with pupils dilated. Chronic users generally experience weight loss

and appetite loss. Can experience visual hallucinations and

delusional behavior. As the euphoric state wears off, users generally

experience nausea, headaches, and mood swings.

Chronic Effects of Inhalant Use

Chronic use may lead to brain damage and result in dementia.

Complications of use can include: Cardiac arrythmias Hepatitis and liver damage Kidney damage Visual Impairments Bone marrow damage or leukemia

Chronic Effects contd.

Partial or permanent loss of muscle control Personality changes Memory impairment Loss of coordination Slurred speech SSD-sudden sniffing death-a component of

aerosol products causes a decrease in available oxygen in the body. If user becomes startled or engages in sudden physical activity, cardiac arrest may occur. When this occurs, death can happen within minutes.

Who’s Huffing?

Most commonly Caucasian males between 12 and 14 y/o & typically of lower socio-economic classes.

Highest rates occur among adolescents in the 8th grade, with 20% having tried Inhalants at least once.

According to the American Academy of Pediatricians, inhalant abuse has occurred in children as young as six.

Generally classified as a gateway drug.