Inhalant Abuse
-----------------------------------------------------------------------When people think of substance abuse, their minds often race to serious drugs and
alcohol. Interestingly enough, though, the first kind of substance children often abuse is
an inhalant. Why? It is easy to get hold of a household chemical that can give them a
quick high. However, it doesn't mean that inhalants are not dangerous.
What are inhalants? Inhalants are breathable chemical vapors. They are quite
volatile. The vapors, when abused, are inhaled in order for the person to get a mindaltering effect.
There are many kinds of inhalants. They cover many kinds of chemicals. People have
classified them in different ways over the years. One such way is: volatile solvents,
aerosols, gases, and nitrites. Volatile solvents are easily available. They include paint
thinners, paint removers, glues, felt tip markers, gasoline, and dry-cleaning fluids. They
are liquids that vaporize at room temperatures. Aerosols are sprays. They contain
propellants and solvents. They are found in spray paints, deodorants, hair sprays,
vegetable oil sprays, and fabric protector sprays. Gases are medical anesthetics and gases
used in things like laughing gas. Gases can be found in whipped cream dispensers and
propane tanks. Finally, nitrites are found in video head cleaners, room odorizers, and
leather cleaners.
Who abuses inhalants? As stated previously, inhalants are often abused by the very
young. Around three out of one hundred children have tried inhalants by fourth grade.
The peak of use is typically around the eighth grade. Inhalant abuse may continue into
adulthood. Males are more likely to continue the abuse. Many abusers become
psychologically dependent on the inhalant so use becomes chronic.
Adults often worry about their children using a substance like marijuana or cocaine.
However, they need to understand that inhalant abuse can be very serious, too. Inhalants
make the user feel intoxicated for a few minutes. They're quick to use. Typically,
inhalants are very available. Think how easy it is to find common household items like
glue, nail polish remover, or hair spray. In some situations, abusers might have a favorite
substance like a shoe shine; however, most will use whatever is available.
What should parents or friends look for if they suspect there's a problem? Chemical
odors on the breath or on clothing are indicative of inhalant abuse. Paint stains when no
one has been painting would be another. Hidden paint cans might be clues as well.
Slurred speech, drunken appearance, loss of appetite, and irritability would be other
signals.
When people abuse alcohol, alcohol is the same ingredient even in different kinds of
drinks. Therefore, the effects are similar in the different kinds of liquor. When people
abuse inhalants, there are so many different products that the effects may vary. Some
effects are short-term; some are permanent. In general, they all have a short-term
anesthetic effect. The body's functions slow down. This can create muscle weakness. The
abuser can't run as fast or jump as high. Coordination may be affected since the nervous
system is especially affected. Some inhalants decrease the number of red and white blood
cells causing anemia. Inhalant abusers suffer from more headaches and colds because of a
weakened immune system. Hepatitis is common among inhalant abusers. Thinking ability
can be affected, too. Lead poisoning can come from gasoline. Other inhalants can cause
permanent nerve damage.
Death is a real possibility with those who use inhalants. Even one use can cause a
heart attack. There's also a real danger of Sudden Sniffing Death. This often occurs after
a person inhales one time after another which can cause heart failure. Death from
suffocation can occur, too, when high amounts of inhalants fill the lungs instead of the
all-important oxygen.
Inhalants are breathed. They go through the blood and, therefore, the body quickly.
Abusers feel a quick reaction and find the inhalants very easily. Over twenty-two million
people have abused inhalants at least one time. Long-term abusers find it very hard to
stop. Inhalants are very dangerous. Therefore, it is important to make people aware
of the dangers and stop the abuse before it starts.