Chapter 15Chapter 15InhalantsInhalants

InhalantsInhalants

Volatile substancesVolatile substances Introduced via lungsIntroduced via lungs Intoxicating; euphorigenicIntoxicating; euphorigenic

Who abuses?Who abuses?

700,000 new users/year700,000 new users/year 20% of all 820% of all 8thth graders graders As prevalent as marijuanaAs prevalent as marijuana

ConsequencesConsequences

““Sudden Sniffing Death”Sudden Sniffing Death” Brain damageBrain damage Loss of muscle controlLoss of muscle control Damage to heart, blood, kidney, liver, bone Damage to heart, blood, kidney, liver, bone

marrowmarrow

ConsiderationsConsiderations

Synergistic effectsSynergistic effects Lipid (fat) compositionLipid (fat) composition Developmentally immature usersDevelopmentally immature users

Ancient GreeksAncient Greeks Nitrous oxideNitrous oxide ““Glue-sniffing”Glue-sniffing”

HistoryHistory

Volatile substancesVolatile substances AnestheticsAnesthetics NitritesNitrites

ClassificationClassification

Volatile Substances

NauseaNausea Cough/sneezeCough/sneeze Light-headednessLight-headedness Damage heart, kidneys, brainDamage heart, kidneys, brain Hypoxia/deathHypoxia/death

EffectsEffects

Propellant gasesPropellant gases Concentrate chemicalsConcentrate chemicals Both chemical and cold injuriesBoth chemical and cold injuries

AerosolsAerosols

TolueneToluene

Concentrates in brainConcentrates in brain Brain, liver and kidney damageBrain, liver and kidney damage Arrhythmias, SSDArrhythmias, SSD

Other Volatile SubstancesOther Volatile Substances

ButaneButane PropanePropane GasolineGasoline FreonFreon™™

AnestheticsAnesthetics

Nitrous oxideNitrous oxide ““Laughing gas”Laughing gas” ““Whippets”Whippets” Occasional SSDOccasional SSD Generally not significant abuse problemGenerally not significant abuse problem

NitritesNitrites

VasodilatorsVasodilators ““Poppers”Poppers” Room deodorizersRoom deodorizers Abused by only a few, select groupsAbused by only a few, select groups

Why abused?Why abused?

Legally obtainedLegally obtained Readily availableReadily available InexpensiveInexpensive Easy to concealEasy to conceal Lack of informationLack of information

Who abuses?Who abuses?

20% of all 820% of all 8thth graders graders ““Kid’s” habitKid’s” habit Even small childrenEven small children

Parental AttitudeParental Attitude

9 of every 10 parents do not believe that 9 of every 10 parents do not believe that their children have abused inhalentstheir children have abused inhalents

Who abuses?Who abuses?

More men than women (for now...)More men than women (for now...) Often poor self image, difficult environment Often poor self image, difficult environment

(but not always…)(but not always…) Episodic outbreaksEpisodic outbreaks

Signs of AbuseSigns of Abuse

Appear drunkenAppear drunken Red, watery eyesRed, watery eyes ““Sniffles” without other signs of coldSniffles” without other signs of cold Slurred speechSlurred speech Rashes on nose and mouthRashes on nose and mouth

Other signs…Other signs…

Unusual chemicals in belongingsUnusual chemicals in belongings Solvent-smelling breathSolvent-smelling breath Sitting with marker near noseSitting with marker near nose Constantly smelling clothesConstantly smelling clothes Hiding chemical-soaked ragsHiding chemical-soaked rags

Dangers of InhalantsDangers of Inhalants

SSDSSD Damage brain, liver, kidney, heart, fetusDamage brain, liver, kidney, heart, fetus Accidents associated with “intoxication” Accidents associated with “intoxication”

and firesand fires

TreatmentTreatment

Treatment programsTreatment programs EducationEducation Prevention!!Prevention!!