Inhalants Nicola Jones

Inhalants

Intentional breathing of gas or vapors with the purpose of reaching a high

Types of Inhalants

Volatile solvents: liquids that become a gas at room temperature Ex. Paint thinners removers, gasoline, glues

Gases: include medical gases, household or commercial products ex. Propane tanks, whipped cream dispensers

Aerosol Sprays: some of the most prevalent inhalants in the home includes spray paint, deodorant, hair sprays, vegetable oil, cooking sprays and static cling sprays

Nitrites: Street names “Poppers” or “Shappers” which are found in some room deodorizers and capsules that release vapors when opened

Four different categories of Inhalants

Street Names

Air blast

Bolt

Boppers

Bullet

Buzz bomb

Hardware

Hippie Crack

Huff

Laughing Gas

Poor man’s pot

Poppers

Snappers

Spray

Whippets

Whiteout

Who’s at Risk?

Most commonly abused by young adolescents and children

In 2011, NIDA took a survey of high schoolers who used inhalants

“The only class of substance abused more by younger than by older teens” (NIDA)

The highest percentage was among 8th graders at about 13%

What Does it Do to Our Bodies

Effects are similar to those of anesthetics which slows the body’s function

Can experience slight stimulation

Feelings of less inhibition/loss of consciousness

Can suffer sudden sniffing death syndrome This means the user can die the 1st,

10th, or 100th time they use an inhalant

Causes damage to the heart, kidney, brain, liver, bone marrow and other organs

Long and Short Term Damage

Short-term: Increased heart rate Hallucinations or

delusions Losing feeling or

consciousness Nausea and vomiting Loss of coordination Slurred speech

Long-term Brain damage Muscle weakness Depression Headaches/nosebleeds Loss of sense of smell

or hearing

What are the Risks? Signs of a User

Inhalants can kill you in many different ways Sudden sniffing death,

asphyxia, choking, suffocation,

Can cause injuries or lead someone to commit suicide

Some of the signs of inhalant abuser Mood swings Extreme anger,

agitation, irritability Exhaustion Loss of appetite Frequent vomiting Hallucinations/illusions Facial rashes/blisters

Why use Inhalants? Why do people choose to use inhalants?

Ease of access– price, availability, not illegal, easily stolen

Experimentation Peer group pressure Enjoyment Escape from issues in their lives

Like other drug abusers, inhalant users are generally categorized into 3 groups Experimental users: try it and don’t’ like it Occasional users: social and recreational use Chronic users: long term use

Quote

“The use of inhalants is a big concern since these products are legal and can result in irreparable brain damage or death”

Charles Curie

Discussion Question

Does it surprise you that the majority of the users are so young? What do you think could be done to help stop this issue?

Resources

National inhalant prevention coalition. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.inhalants.org/about.htm

National institute on drug abuse. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.drugabuse.gov/drugs-abuse/inhalants

National inhalants information service. (2013, October). Retrieved from http://www.inhalantsinfo.org.au/inhalant_users.php

National institute on drug abuse: Drugfacts. (2012, September ). Retrieved from http://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/inhalants

Teenshealth:inhalants. (2012, Jan). Retrieved from http://kidshealth.org/teen/drug_alcohol/drugs/inhalants.html