1. INHALANTS What are inhalants? Signs of Inhalant Use.
Inhalants are breathable chemical vapors that users intentionally inhale because of the chemicals’ mind altering effects.
Inhalants are affecting young teens like you.
A typical Inhalant abuser is year old, can be of any race or ethnic origin, probably abuses inhalant substances with one or two friends, and doesn't understand what he or she is "getting into”
inhalant abuse is now the fourth most common form of substance abuse among teenagers after tobacco, alcohol and marijuana.
Substance inhaled are often common household products such as aerosols and volatile solvents such as the following:
Glue
Gasoline
Lighter fluid
Hair spray
Certain cleaners
Some common names inhalants may be referred to as are whippets, snappers, and poppers.
Inhalant Abuse is a lesser-known form of substance abuse, but is no less dangerous than other forms
Tell Tale Behavior signs
Painting finger nails with correction fluid or markers
Sitting with a pen or marker by the nose.
Constantly smelling clothing sleeves
Stain marks on face, fingers and clothing
Having numerous butane lighters.
Hiding rags or empty containers of potentially abused products in closet.
Know the Signs
Dizzy Appearance.
Slurred Speech.
Spots or soars around the nose.
Unusual breath or chemical order.
Chronic users usually hallucinate, irritable, and restless.
What to do in Case of an emergency?
Stay calm and administer CPR if the person has passed out. Stay with the person until help arrives.
If the person is conscious keep them calm and ventilated.
Try to figure our what inhalant was used, to tell proper authorities.
Symptoms and Damaging Effects of Inhalant Use.
Coping Strategies and Prevention.
What makes Inhalants attractive to such a young demographic is its affordability and easy access
Inhaling these harmful solvents cuts off oxygen to the brain. Inhalants can kill or cause brain damage, even to first-time users.
Short Term Effects
Headache, muscle weakness, and abdominal pain.
Severe mood swings and violent behavior.
slurred speech.
Numbness and tingling of the hands and feet, nausea, hearing loss, limb spasms, fatigue.
Lack of coordination.
Long Term effects
Central nervous system or brain damage.
Serious effects include damage to the liver, heart, kidneys, blood oxygen level depletion, unconsciousness and death.
Treatment of inhalant abuse cases may be limited to supportive care and treatment of the presenting symptoms
Comprehensive prevention programs that involve families, schools, communities, and the media can be effective in reducing inhalant abuse.
The recurring theme in these programs is to stay away from drugs in the first place, which is the primary method of ensuring that one does not develop a substance use disorder.
Teachers, parents, and peers can help prevent inhalant abuse and dependence by recognizing the signs of inhalant use.