Chapter 15 Inhalants

Inhalants  Volatile substances  Introduced via lungs  Intoxicating; euphorigenic

Who abuses?  700,000 new users/year  20% of all 8 th graders  As prevalent as marijuana

Consequences  “Sudden Sniffing Death”  Brain damage  Loss of muscle control  Damage to heart, blood, kidney, liver, bone marrow

Considerations  Synergistic effects  Lipid (fat) composition  Developmentally immature users

 Ancient Greeks  Nitrous oxide  “Glue-sniffing” History

 Volatile substances  Anesthetics  Nitrites Classification

Volatile Substances

 Nausea  Cough/sneeze  Light-headedness  Damage heart, kidneys, brain  Hypoxia/death Effects

 Propellant gases  Concentrate chemicals  Both chemical and cold injuries Aerosols

Toluene  Concentrates in brain  Brain, liver and kidney damage  Arrhythmias, SSD

Other Volatile Substances  Butane  Propane  Gasoline  Freon ™

Anesthetics  Nitrous oxide  “Laughing gas”  “Whippets”  Occasional SSD  Generally not significant abuse problem

Nitrites  Vasodilators  “Poppers”  Room deodorizers  Abused by only a few, select groups

Why abused?  Legally obtained  Readily available  Inexpensive  Easy to conceal  Lack of information

Who abuses?  20% of all 8 th graders  “Kid’s” habit  Even small children

Parental Attitude  9 of every 10 parents do not believe that their children have abused inhalents

Who abuses?  More men than women (for now...)  Often poor self image, difficult environment (but not always…)  Episodic outbreaks

Signs of Abuse  Appear drunken  Red, watery eyes  “Sniffles” without other signs of cold  Slurred speech  Rashes on nose and mouth

Other signs…  Unusual chemicals in belongings  Solvent-smelling breath  Sitting with marker near nose  Constantly smelling clothes  Hiding chemical-soaked rags

Dangers of Inhalants  SSD  Damage brain, liver, kidney, heart, fetus  Accidents associated with “intoxication” and fires

Treatment  Treatment programs  Education  Prevention!!