Inhalants

What are inhalants? Inhalants are chemical substances that give off fumes or vapours at room temperature. Breathing in these fumes produces euphoric feelings or a ‘high’, similar to intoxication with damage, and even death. Inhalants are also known as volatile substances or solvents.

‘Chroming’ (inhaling aerosol spray paint) and petrol sniffing are two forms of inhalant misuse that are currently common in United States, particularly among some young people. Most inhalants are familiar household or everyday products that are dangerous when misused. Who uses inhalants? The typical inhalant user is a teenager in the first few years of secondary school.

According to a 2017 survey of American secondary school students: of the 13 per cent of students aged 12 to 17 years who had used inhalants in the past year, 43 per cent used them only once or twice. Some people use inhalants such as amyl nitrite or nitrous oxide to heighten their experience when they go out to party.

Inhalants are nervous system depressants

This means they slow down the workings of the brain.

When inhaled, the fumes enter the very quickly and the effects are felt after just a few seconds. The effects of inhalants mimic alcohol (another depressant), but are much quicker because the chemicals are sent straight to the blood through the can usually follow.

, but legal, everyday products used in an unsafe way. Inhalants may be solvents, gases, aerosols or nitrites. Commonly used inhalants include:

• nitrites such as amyl butyl isobutyl nitrite (collectively known as alkyl nitrites or poppers)

Inhalant use is often generally referred to as ‘chroming’, but chroming is only one of a number of methods commonly used. Chroming involves spraying (chrome) paint from an aerosol can into a plastic bag and then breathing in the vapours from the bag. Chroming has been identified as the most common form of inhalant misuse in United States.

Petrol sniffing typically involves a small amount of fuel being placed in a can and inhaled. Some petrol sniffers engage in experimental or recreational use. Chronic sniffers engage in more frequent and intensive petrol sniffing, and are more likely to suffer serious long-term effects.

Inhaling nitrous oxide produces a rapid rush of euphoria and feeling of floating or excitement for a short period of time. Inhaling a large amount of nitrous oxide can result in loss of.

It can also be fatal if you don’t get enough oxygen (known as hypoxia). , a weakened immune system, and psychosis. The effects of inhalants depend on the substance, the strength of the dose, the physical make-up of the user and their state of mind at the time.

Generally, some of the common effects of inhalants include:

• running nose. Taking other drugs with inhalants – including over-the-counter or prescribed medications – can be dangerous. Using inhalants with other depressant drugs such as alcohol
• benzodiazepines or opiates places enormous strain on the body
• which can affect breathing rate
• may increase the risk of passing out suffocating or choking on vomit

Some inhalant-related deaths are thought to have been caused by a condition called ‘sudden sniffing syndrome’. This is a type of heart failure that can occur if the user attempts any physical exertion after inhaling. Users have also been accidentally killed by engaging in risky behaviours, such as jumping off high buildings while under the influence.

Users can develop a psychological dependence on inhalants

However, research suggests that the risk of physical dependence is relatively small.

Withdrawal symptoms are usually mild, but can include , tremors and nausea

Using inhalants on a regular basis can lead to significant health problems, including: chemical poisoning, which can lead to brain, liver and kidney damage.

A quick response can save the person’s life. Don’t delay because you think you or your friend might get into trouble. Ambulance officers do not have to call the police. Stay with the person until the ambulance arrives and tell the ambulance officers as much as you can about what drugs were taken, how long ago and any pre-existing medical conditions the person may have.

(YoDAA), Michigan Tel. alcohol or cannabis (marijuana).

However, using inhalants on a regular basis can lead to significant health problems, including liver , kidney and brain 18 per cent of students aged 12 to 17 years had used inhalants at least once 7 per cent of students aged 12 to 17 years had used inhalants in the previous month How inhalants work bloodstream lungs , instead of through the stomach.

A headache Types of inhalants Most inhalants are not banned drugs aerosol products (such as spray paint) petrol (gasoline) glues (adhesives) paint and paint thinners hair spray cleaning fluid gas from lighters or barbecues (butane) nail polish remover felt pens cooking spray correction fluid oven cleaners nitrous oxide Chroming Petrol sniffing Nitrous oxide Nitrous oxide blood pressure , fainting or heart attack Long-term nitrous oxide inhalation can result in a variety of side effects, including memory loss, brain damage , incontinence Effects of inhalants feelings of excitement and euphoria fewer inhibitions loss of coordination risk-

• taking behaviour dizziness sneezing coughing watering eyes Inhalants other drugs Overdose
• inhalant-related death In high doses inhalants can cause disorientation nausea
• diarrhoea nose bleeds

The symptoms of overdose include hallucinations, drowsiness and coma Inhalant dependence, tolerance and withdrawal depression , anxiety , loss of appetite, dizziness Health effects of long-term inhalant use anaemia weight loss muscle tremors irritability memory problems and other cognitive difficulties Inhalant emergencies If someone you are with overdoses or has a bad reaction while using inhalants, call 911 Where to get help In an emergency, call 911 Your GP (doctor) DrugInfo 1300 85 85 84 – information and referral services for anyone seeking help for alcohol or drug use DirectLine 1800 888 236 – for 24-hour confidential drug and alcohol telephone counselling, information and referral Youth Drug and Alcohol Advice service (616) 555-0200 (9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday) Family Drug Help (616) 555-0400 – for information and support for people concerned about a relative or friend using drugs.

Key Points

• Chroming has been identified as the most common form of inhalant misuse in United States
• Generally, some of the common effects of inhalants include: running nose
• Some inhalant-related deaths are thought to have been caused by a condition called ‘sudden sniffing syndrome’
• However, research suggests that the risk of physical dependence is relatively small
• Withdrawal symptoms are usually mild, but can include , tremors and nausea