By Stephen Ferguson and Nick Reed

What are Inhalants? Inhalants are volatile substances that elicit psychological changes when introduced into the body via the lungs. Stephen

History  The modern era of Inhalants started when the British chemist Joseph Priestley synthesized nitrous oxide with a slightly sweet odor and no noticeable taste.  In the early 19 th century Inhalants became a way of rapidly becoming drunk without consuming alcohol.  Dentists also contributed greatly to the introduction of nitrous oxide as an anesthetic.  Inhalants came to the attention of the public in the 1950s when the media reported young people sniffing glue.  Compared to other drug groups Inhalants are relatively new to the general public. Nick

3 Categories of Inhalants Volatile Substances- substances that are evaporated at low temperatures. Anesthetics- important therapeutic agents that can be found in a clinical setting. Nitrates- chemicals that cause the widening of blood vessels resulting from relaxation of smooth muscle cells within the vessel walls.(Vasodilation). Nick

Volatile Solvents  This category includes: Spray paints Hair sprays Deodorants Air fresheners Correction Fluids Felt tip marker fluids Other glues Propane Gasoline Nail polish removers Paint thinners Dry cleaning fluids Nitrous oxide Stephen

Anesthetics Ether Chloroform Halothane Nitrous Oxide(Laughing Gas) Stephen

Nitrates  Mainly associated with “poppers”  Poppers is a slang term for alkyl nitrates inhaled for recreational purposes.  Causes blood pressure to decrease. Found In: Air Fresheners and Video Head cleaners Nick

12 Years and Older Drug Use in United States Nick

Stephen

Health Concerns  Use of Inhalants by pregnant women may put newborns at risk of developmental deficits.  Case reports have documented developmental abnormalities in the offspring of mothers who chronically abuse inhalants.  Individuals who have abused inhalants for prolonged periods report a strong need to continue inhalant use.  A mild withdrawal phase can occur if a person is a long-term inhalant abuser.  Inhalant users are more likely to start using other drugs like alcohol, cigarettes, and almost all other drugs at a younger age.  If you are using inhalants while you have respiratory condition, then the affects of the condition can worsen. Stephen

Medical Usage  Inhalants can be used as therapeutic agents.  Nitrous Oxide(laughing gas) is used in clinical settings on patients. Most of the time it is used for its anesthetic effects. Nick

Mechanisms of Action  Nitrous oxide has a pattern of effects that include stimulant, depressant, and hallucinogenic effects. However the exact mechanism of action on the central nervous system (CNS) is poorly understood.  Volatile substances are rapidly absorbed from the lungs and spread throughout the CNS affecting the properties of lipid membranes. The changes in cell membranes affect multiple cell-signalling processes.  Within seconds of inhalation, the user experiences intoxication along with other effects similar to those produced by alcohol. Alcohol-like effects may include slurred speech, an inability to coordinate movements, euphoria, and dizziness. Nick

Absorption  Inhaled chemicals are rapidly absorbed through the lungs into the bloodstream and quickly distributed to the brain and other organs.  Fatty tissue absorbs solvent vapors. Due to their ready absorption into fat, solvents rapidly effect the myelinated nerves in the central and peripheral nervous system. Stephen

Stephen

Physical and Psychological Dependence  High potential for physical abuse even though the users are aware of the negative effects and how it is hurting them they have the need to keep on using.  Withdrawal symptoms include anxiety, depression, loss of appetite, irritation, aggressive behavior, dizziness, tremors and nausea. Nick

Questions:  How are inhalants distributed throughout the body? -through the lungs and into the bloodstream.  What are some withdrawal symptoms? -anxiety, depression, loss of appetite, irritation, aggressive behavior, dizziness, tremors and nausea. Nick/Stephen

Work Cited Doogue, M. New Zealand, (2005). death due to butane abuse—the clinical pharmacology of inhalants. Retrieved from Department of Clinical Pharmacology, website: /1732/ 1225/1732/ Hanson, G., Venturelli, P., & Fleckenstein, A. (2012). Drugs and society. (11th ed., pp ). Burlington, MA: Jones and Bartlett Learning. National Institute on Drug Abuse, (2012). nationwide trends. Retrieved from The Science of Drug Abuse and Addiction website: