Overview of Inhalants
What are Inhalants?
Inhalants are a group of explosive substances
whose chemical vapors can be inhaled to produce
mind-altering effects on human beings
.
Inhalant Abuse
• Inhalant abuse refers to the deliberate inhalation or sniffing of
common products found in homes and communities with the
purpose of "getting high." Inhalants are easily accessible, legal,
everyday products. When used as intended, these products have
a useful purpose in our lives and enhance the quality of life, but
when intentionally misused, they can be deadly.
•
Inhalant Abuse is a lesser recognized form of substance abuse,
but it is no less dangerous. Inhalants are addictive and are
considered to be "gateway" drugs because children often
progress from inhalants to illegal drug and alcohol abuse. The
National Institute on Drug Abuse reports that one in five American
teens have used Inhalants to get high.
Typical Inhalants
Gases
Nitrous oxide, helium,
refrigerants, propane
Cleaning Agents
Spot remover, degreaser
Solvents and Fuels
Butane propane, nail polish
remover, paint
thinner/remover, correction
fluid, permanent markers,
gasoline, engine octane
boosters, jet fuel
Be On Alert!
Aerosols
Spray paint, hair spray, air
freshener, deodorant, fabric
protector, computer
keyboard cleaners
Adhesives
Model airplane glue, rubber
cement, PVC cement
Foods
Cooking spray, aerosol
whipped cream toppings
Effects of Inhalants
Effects on the Mind:
Effects similar to those of
other drugs; addictive.
Inhalants give a quick high
while destroying brain cells.
Symptoms Include:
Dizziness, paranoia,
depression, and impaired
judgment
Nervous system and brain
damage
Sometimes irreversible
damage to liver and kidneys,
bone marrow
Hearing loss
Sudden Sniffing Death
Syndrome
Children can die the first
time or any time
Usually associated with
cardiac arrest.
Short Term Effects
• Headache
• Muscle weakness
• Abdominal pain
• Severe mood
swings
• Violent behavior
• Slurred speech
• Numbness, tingling
in hands and feet
• Fatigue
• Lack of coordination
• Apathy
• Impaired judgment
• Dizziness
• Lethargy
• Stupor
• Loss of
consciousness
• Limb spasms
• Visual disturbances
Long Term Effects
• Weight loss
• Muscle weakness
• Disorientation
• Inattentiveness
• Lack of coordination
• Irritability
• Depression
Intentional Inhalation
Deliberate inhalation of fumes,
vapors or gases to “get high”
Slang Terms
• Aimies
Heart-on
Quicksilver
• Air blast
Highball
Rush
• Bagging
Hippie crack
Rush snappers
• Bolt
Honey oil
Shoot the Breeze
• Boppers
Laughing Gas
Snotballs
• Buzz bomb
Moon Gas
Thrust
• Chroming
Oz
Tolly
• Climax
Pearls
Toncho
• Dusting
Poormans pot
Whippets
Intentional Scenario
#1
A teenager is hanging out with friends at a beach
house party, when suddenly one of his friends walks
up with a can of dusting spray and tells the teenager
to try a new thing called “dusting”. The friend
explains how to use it and that it makes you feel
good and relaxed. A cadet from the local squadron
overhears this conversation, and proceeds to act.
Telling the teenager that it could kill you and ruin
his reputation, however, the friend tells the cadet its
fine and nothing can hurt him. Knowing the effects
on what it can do to the teenager, what should you
do to ensure proper safety?
Intentional Scenario
#2
After a terrible week in school, a teenager is tired of
constantly feeling depressed and overheard a friends
conversation about a new thing called “huffing”.
Huffing is where one takes an intoxicated chemical,
puts it into a bag and breaths in to result in a high that
supposedly lifts you spirit.. The teenager was telling his
friend about the rough week he has had and how he
plans to resolve it. The friend who is a cadet in the local
squadron immediately tells him not to do it and tells him
the effects it could have on his life. After telling him this
teenager refuses to say he won’t do it. What should the
cadet do to ensure the teenagers safety?
Accidental Inhalation
A situation
created by the
accumulation of
fumes in an
enclosed area,
that can be
overcoming to a
person or
animal.
Accidental Scenario
#1
Cadets are preparing for an Orientation Flight and are
checking the fuel in the plane for debris. While
returning the fuel in the canister to the plane, the fuel
accidentally spills onto one of the cadets boots. Not
assessing the damage, the cadets and senior member
load up in the plane and take off. After a while the
fumes of the gasoline contaminate the cockpit and
knock the pilot out. To prevent this, cadets and senior
members should take proper measures to ensure the
fumes do not contaminate the cockpit. Wash the
contaminated boots with water and soap to ensure
proper safety.
Accidental Scenario
#2
A squadron is repainting their rockets for the
rocketry program. With several cans of paint
opened, the FBO is filled with fumes with nothing
to air the fumes out. After an hour of work, a cadet
starts to fill light headed and a nearby senior
member shows concern. The concerned senior
member asks the cadet what wrong and escorts him
to the door. Outside the SM ask the cadet to lie
down. To prevent the problem, the area should be
properly aired out with the doors and windows open,
and if needed using fans.
Treatment is Challenging
• Traditional drug treatment facilities do not like to
admit inhalant abusers
• Failure rate is very high
• Treatment takes months, possibly years
• Addiction to inhalants is as strong as that to cocaine
For Emergencies
•
If the victim is unconscious or
not breathing
•
Call 911and administer CPR
•
If conscious, keep the victim
calm and in a well-ventilated
area
•
Call Poison Control
•
Check for clues, try to identify
product abused
•
Do not leave the victim alone
References
• www.inhalant.org is a great resource for parents,
teachers, CAP DDR officers, cadets, and other CAP
members.
Created for National Civil Air Patrol by
MERSC-096 Low County Composite Squadron