CITIZENS RALLYING FOR CHANGE ON ALCOHOL

Inhalants are ordinary household and commercial products that are abused in one of three ways: (1) inhaled directly from its container (“sniffing” or “snorting”), (2) placed in a substance-soaked rag over nose and mouth and inhaled (“huffing”), or (3) poured into a plastic bag where the fumes are inhaled (“bagging”).

Aerosols and other pressurized liquids may be inhaled directly from the container or out of an alternative container such as a balloon filled with nitrous oxide. Some volatile substances release intoxicating vapours when heated. Many substances leave tell-tale stains or odours on clothing. Their easy accessibility, low cost, and ease of concealment make them popular among youth. There are hundreds of household products on the market today that can be misused as inhalants.

Examples of products kids abuse to get high include model airplane glue, nail polish remover, cleaning fluids, hair spray, gasoline, the propellant in aerosol whipped cream, spray paint, fabric protector, air conditioner fluid (freon), cooking spray and correction fluid.

Effects of Inhalants and Solvents

Within seconds of inhalation, the user experiences intoxication along with other effects similar to those produced by alcohol. Alcohol-like effects may
include slurred speech, an inability to coordinate movements, dizziness, confusion and delirium. Nausea and vomiting are other common side effects. In addition, users may experience light-headedness, hallucinations, and delusions.

Other serious effects include:

• Brain damage and mental retardation
• Hallucinations
• Mood swings
• Personality changes
• Slurred speech
• Movement disorder
• Assaultiveness
• Poor judgment and bizarre behavior

Inhalant/solvent abuse is extremely dangerous and can result in permanent neurological damage. Additionally, people who use inhalants and solvents often progress to other drugs of abuse. For adolescents and children, use of inhalants or solvents may signal entrance into drug cultures and increased association with other users.

Withdrawal

Withdrawing from inhalants or solvents may involve unpleasant symptoms, just like withdrawing from any other addictive substance. Specific symptoms depend on the substance involved. Because of the poisonous and possibly deadly nature of inhalant abuse, the benefits of immediate withdrawal outweigh any unpleasant withdrawal symptoms.

Warning Signs

A person who is using inhalants or solvents may:

• Have the odor of solvents or inhalants on breath or clothes.
• Experience slurred speech or disorientation or have difficulty moving.
• Have a runny nose or rash around the mouth or nose.
• Attempt to obtain paraphernalia (sprays, propane, lighter fluid, nail polish remover), paper bags, and balloons.
• Experience personality changes (especially with increased recklessness or fearlessness), poor judgment, and loss of interest in previously enjoyable activities.
• Behave evasively or lie about activities or whereabouts.