Inhalant: A volatile substance which produces chemical vapors
and is inhaled Produce a mind altering affect on the body
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Several different classifications: Volatile Solvents Aerosols
Gases
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Liquids that vaporize at room temperature Found in many common
household products Examples Paint thinner Glue Permanent markers
Gasoline
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A substance enclosed under pressure, able to release a fine
spray by means of a propellant gas Found in many common household
products Examples Spray paint Cleaning products Cooking spray
Deodorant
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Nitrous Oxide is most commonly abused gas Laughing gas Found in
whipped cream containers Other abused gases include: Butane
lighters Propane tanks Refrigerants
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Inhaled through the nose or mouth by several different methods
Sniffing or snorting fumes from containers Spraying aerosols
directly into nose or mouth Bagging Spraying a substance into a bag
and inhaling the fumes Huffing Breathing through an inhalant soaked
rag
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Inhaled chemicals are absorbed rapidly into the bloodstream
through the lungs and are quickly distributed to the brain and
other organs. 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; the
inability to coordinate movements; euphoria; and dizziness. In
addition, users may experience lightheadedness, hallucinations, and
delusions. Source:
http://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/research-reports/inhalants/how-are-inhalants-used
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Inhalant abusers risk an array of other devastating medical
consequences. The highly concentrated chemicals in solvents or
aerosol sprays can induce irregular and rapid heart rhythms and
lead to fatal heart failure within minutes of a session of
prolonged sniffing. This syndrome, known as "sudden sniffing
death," can result from a single session of inhalant use by an
otherwise healthy young person. Sudden sniffing death is associated
particularly with the abuse of butane, propane, and chemicals in
aerosols. Source:
http://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/research-reports/inhalants/how-are-inhalants-used
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Asphyxiation from repeated inhalations that lead to high
concentrations of inhaled fumes, which displace available oxygen in
the lungs Suffocation from blocking air from entering the lungs
when inhaling fumes from a plastic bag placed over the head
Convulsions or seizures from abnormal electrical discharges in the
brain Coma from the brain shutting down all but the most vital
functions Choking from inhalation of vomit after inhalant use Fatal
injury from accidents, including motor vehicle fatalities, suffered
while intoxicated
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Chemical odor on breath or clothing Paint or stains on
hands/face/clothes Hidden empty spray paint containers or rags
Drunk or disoriented appearance Slurred speech Inattentiveness Lack
of coordination Depression
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Talk with the user about the risks associated with inhalant
abuse Talk to a trusted adult Seek professional help Counselor
School nurse
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Compared with the brain of an individual with no history of
inhalant abuse (A), that of a chronic toluene abuser (B) is smaller
and fills less of the space inside the skull (the white outer
circle in each image). Courtesy of Neil Rosenberg, M.D., NIDA
Research Report (NIH 05-3818).
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Please put your first and last name and section on your paper.
Write in complete sentences 1) In your own words define Inhalants
2) What are the three main types of inhalants? 3) What are three
health risks associated with inhalant abuse? 4) What are three
signs that someone may be using inhalants?