Inhalants

Lots of Different Types

Are solvents and substances found in common household productsGluesHair SprayLighter fluidPaint productsOthers

Is very popular among youth

Routes

Are sniffed directly

Huffed from a rag soaked in the substance and held to the face

Can be placed in a bag

Lots of substance substitution

EffectsRapid absorption Blood levels peak rapidlyRapid entry into the brainEffects resemble alcohol intoxicationStimulationLoss of inhibitionDepression

Loss of time and space

Side Effects

HeadacheNausea/vomitingSlurred speechLoss of motor coordinationWheezingGlue sniffer’s rash around the noseCan induce heart failure and deathHearing lossLiver and kidney damageOthers

Death

Results from suffocation

Especially with plastic bags over the head

Displaces oxygen in lungs and CNS

Categories

Solvents

Gases

Nitrites

Solvents

Paint thinners

Degreasers

Dry cleaning fluids

Gas

Glue

Art and office supplies

Felt tip markers

Gases

Butane lighters

Propane tanks

Whipping cream aerosols

Household aerosols

Hair and deodorant sprays

Medical gasses –ether, nitrous oxide

Nitrites

Used to dilate blood vessels and relax muscles

Used as sexual enhancers

Cyclohexyl nitrite – in room deodorizers

Amyl Nitrate (poppers, snappers)Used for heart pain

Butyl Nitrate (Poppers) are illegal

Medical Consequences

Rapid tolerance (Dopamine neurons)Demyelination Can cause rapid or irregular heart rhythms within minutes Can result in death even in health persons - sudden sniffing death Usually from butane, propane, aerosols

AsphyxiationSuffocationChoking on vomitAccidents

Toxicity

Are highly toxicBrain and SCLungsLiverKidneys

May be permanent