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09/07/2010
INHALANTS
Although rare in my 30-year history of treating addictive disease, the devastating effects of “huffing” has reared it’s ugly head once again. This time, however, the presentation was in a middle-aged adult, rather than an adolescent (as is the usual case).
Inhalants are chemical vapors present in a variety of household products, including solvents, gases, and nitrites. Inhalant use refers to the intentional breathing of these vapors for the purpose of reaching a high. According to the National Inhalant Prevention Coalition, one in five adolescents will have used inhalants by the time a student reaches the 8th grade.
The “high” is manifested as a slight stimulation, loss of inhibition, and potential loss of consciousness. When inhaled via the nose or mouth in sufficient concentration, the user may feel intoxicated for a few minutes. Use may continue for prolonged periods of time with immediate side effects including unpredictable death. According to the Falcon Safety Products web site, high concentrations of inhalants cause death from suffocation by displacing oxygen in the lungs and central nervous system so that breathing ceases. Deliberately inhaling from an attached paper or plastic bag greatly increases the chance of suffocation.
Major damage to the brain, blood, lungs, heart, liver, and kidneys may result from repeated exposure to the toxic substances in these common household products.
Recognition of signs associated with inhalant abuse include:
1) Irritation of the eyes, nose, and mouth
2) Chemical breath odor
3) Odor of solvents on clothes
4) Chronic coughing; shortness of breath
5) Intoxicated behavior, or appearance of intoxication
6) High rate of psychiatric disorders – mood, anxiety, or personality disorders