Inhalants are most commonly abused by teens and preteens to get a high through inhaling or "huffng" dangerous chemicals contained in househols items such as model glue, nail polish remover, spray paint, hair spray, gasoline, and paint thinner. People do not typically think of these products as drugs because they were never intended to induce intoxicating effects. The intoxication produced by inhalants usually lasts just a few minutes; therefore, users often try to extend the “high” by continuing to inhale repeatedly over several hours.
How do Inhalants Affect the Brain?
The effects of inhalants are similar to those of alcohol, including slurred speech, lack of coordination, euphoria, hallucinations, and delusions. Sniffing highly concentrated amounts of the chemicals in solvents or aerosol sprays can directly induce heart failure and death within minutes. Inhalant abuse can cause central nervous system and brain damage .This can lead to muscle spasms and tremors or even permanent difficulty with basic actions such as walking, bending, and talking. The before-and-after SPECT brain scan at left shows long-term damage.
Featured Video: The life of an Inhalant Abuser
"Like I'm walking on sunshine... I don't care if I sacrifice the life of anyone else... I need it now."
Many youngsters say they begin sniffing when they're in grade school. They start because they feel these substances can't hurt them, because of peer pressure, or because of low self-esteem. Once hooked, these victims find it a tough addiction to break.
Physical signs of inhalant use are red or runny nose, slurred or disoriented speech, unusual breath odor, chemical odor on clothing, drunk, dazed or dizzy appearance, spots and/or sores around the mouth.
What Treatment Options Exist?
If inhalant abuse is suspected, a medical examination may be required. During physical examination, several medical complications must be assessed such as: (1) central nervous system damage; (2) renal (kidney) and hepatic (liver) abnormalities; (3) lead poisoning; (4) the possibilities of cardiac arrhythmia and pulmonary (lung) distress; and (5) nutritional deficiencies.
Because chemicals are stored in the fatty tissue of the body, the inhalant abuser may experience residual effects for quite some time. This could include altered affect and dullness of intellectual functioning. Consequently, the detoxification period will need to be longer than the typical drug abuser, up to several weeks. A thorough assessment of family stability, structure and dynamics must be a major component of any treatment program addressing the inhalant abuser. Family involvement is critically important. Rehab treatment can be focused on therapeutic intervention with the family, providing drug education, parenting and social bonding skills. If we can be of any further assistance to you in obtaining information or finding the right rehab center for you, please call us anytime, day or night. We are here to help.
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