The Effects of Inhalants
Inhalants
are usually substances that most people do not think of as drugs
and can often be purchased at a grocery or hardware store. They
are a diverse group of substances that are inhaled to give the
user an immediate head rush or high. The effects include slurred
speech, blurred vision, ringing in ears, loss of balance, nausea,
vomiting and drowsiness. The effects can last 30-40 minutes. Inhalants
block the flow of oxygen in a person's body and contain chemicals
that can destroy brain cells. The use of inhalants can have serious
or lethal effects on persons who abuse them. Even one-time use
can result in coma or death.
Some
examples of the most common substances used as inhalants are:
- Solvents
Strong glues (model airplane glues, etc.), correction fluid
for typewriters, gasoline, paint thinners, polish and polish
removers, cleaning and lighter fluids.
- Aerosols
Propellant from any aerosol can (hair spray, spray paints,
whipped cream, etc.).
- Anesthetics
Nitrous oxide ("laughing gas"), halothane, amyl nitrite
(a prescription heart medicine) and butyl nitrite (whose
slang names are "rush" and "locker room")
Method
of Ingestion:
Inhalants are sniffed or "huffed" directly from the source or
in plastic and paper bags held over the face. Saturated rags are
sometimes held over the nose and mouth.
Short-
and Long-Term Effects of Using Inhalants:
- Asphyxiation
or suffocation
- Sudden
cardiac arrest
- Numbness
and tingling in hands and feet
- Blood
and bone marrow changes
- Damage
to kidneys, liver, lungs, and central nervous system
- Weight
loss
- Electrolyte
imbalance
- Reduced
physical and mental capabilities
- Loss
of sense of smell/taste
- Irreversible
brain damage
|
