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Module 5

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This module will help you:

Know the history andbackground of inhalants

Better understand inhalants asabused substances and itseffects

Understand why young people

abuse inhalants

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Inhalants are usuallycommon householdproducts which can beinhaled.

Examples: nail polishremover, glue, gasoline,and household cleaners,fluorinated hydrocarbons(which are found inaerosols such as hairsprayand spray paint)

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This includes certain industrial

(household) products such as paintthinner, nail polish remover,degreaser, dry-cleaning fluid,gasoline, glue as well as art or office

supplies such as white-out, felt-tipmarker fluid, and electronic contactcleaner

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Includes some commercial

(household) products such as butanelighters, propane tanks, whipped

cream dispensers, and refrigerantgases as well as certain householdaerosol propellants, such as thosefound in spray paint, hair spray,deodorant spray, and fabric protectorspray.

Medical anesthetic gases, such asether, chloroform (most dangerous),halothane, and nitrous oxide

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Cyclohexyl nitrite (in products

such as room deodorizers) Amyl nitrite (for medical

purposes)

Butyl nitrite (was previously

used in perfumes and antifreeze,and is now an illegal substance)

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Inhalant users inhale vapors or aerosol propellantgases using plastic bags held over the mouth or bybreathing from an open container of solvents, such asgasoline or paint thinner.

Nitrous oxide gases from whipped cream aerosol cansand aerosol hairspray or non-stick frying spray aresprayed into plastic bags

When inhaling non-stick cooking spray or otheraerosol products, some users may filter the aerosolizedparticles out with a rag

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Some gases such as propane and butane gases areinhaled directly from the canister

Once these solvents or gases are inhaled, the extensive

capillary surface of the lungs rapidly absorb the solventor gas, and blood levels peak rapidly

The intoxication effects occur so quickly that theeffects of inhalation can resemble the intensity of

effects produced by intravenous injection of otherpsychoactive drugs

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The immediate effects resemble alcohol inebriation- stimulation, a sense of euphoria and intoxication

This is followed by a period of depression

The effects are short lived, resulting in the prospectof repeated abuse

loss of sensation, and even unconsciousness

Irreversible effects can be hearing loss, limb spasms,central nervous system or brain damage, or bone

marrow damage. Sniffing high concentrations ofinhalants may result in death from heart failure orsuffocation (inhalants displace oxygen in the lungs).

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Long term abuse can lead to; Permanent 'sniffer's rash

Conjunctivitis

Liver, heart and kidneydamage

Brain damage

Death

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To avoid feeling hungry

Family problems

Peer Pressure

Low self-esteem Poor Mans Alternative to drugs