Inhalants

ALSO KNOWN AS: Climax, Locker Room, Aerosols, Rush, Snappers, Anesthetic Gases, Whippets, Buzz Bombs, Volatile Solvents, Bolt, Bullet, Poppers

SIGNS/EFFECTS OF USE: As the name suggests, inhalants are administered by breathing in any number of chemicals. Depending on the amount and type of chemical, the user may feel sensations of floating, moving, or spinning; time and distance distortions; nausea; feelings of fear, loneliness, and/or guilt; euphoria; hallucinations; altered colors and shapes; and drowsiness. Confusion and slurred speech are common effects of many inhalants. There are three categories of inhalants: volatile solvents, aerosols, and anesthetic gases, the former two increasing blood pressure while the latter have been known to decrease blood pressure. All three of these categories usually cause an increased pulse. Some inhalants used by adolescents in the United States include cleaning fluids, aerosols, spray paint, glue that contains toluene, and gasoline. In addition to inhaling these substances, the user may also "huff", or breathe them in through the mouth.

DANGERS: Inhalants can produce highs that last anywhere from a few seconds to a few hours. Inhalant overdoses have a range of possible side effects from nausea and vomiting to heart failure. Additionally, certain inhalants act on the central nervous system, slowing respiration to, in some cases, a stopping point. Extensive, long-term abuse can result in serious physical consequences including liver, central nervous system, and bone and bone marrow damage, as well as impairments in physical and mental abilities, hearing loss, Parkinson, headache, paresthesias, and memory loss.

TREATMENT: Inhalant detoxification may or may not need medical attention, so it is best to consult a physician. In some cases, the potential effects of inhalant abuse – such as cardiac arrhythmias, burns, coma, trauma, and others – require medical care. There are no clear treatments available for the long-term cognitive damage that can occur as a result of inhalant use and/or abuse.

See also:

• 3 Signs of Marijuana Use
• How to Talk to a Child About Drugs
• How to Talk to a Teen About Drugs
• Think Locking the Liquor Cabinet is Enough? Think Again.