Inhalant Abuse and Its Dangers

Think all drugs are illegally obtained? It may surprise you to know that similar highs achieved through substances like cocaine and marijuana may be found in common household objects.

Unfortunately, damaging effects and health risks also come with the abuse of these items, which are commonly classified as inhalants.

Inhalant abuse is defined by the chronic inhalation - also known as sniffing or huffing - of household products that are high in toxicity.

Look around your home and you may find things like nail polish, model airplane glue, correction fluid, aerosols, or paint thinner. Get too close to these products and the fumes may invoke a dizzying sensation.

This is the high that entices many people, in particular children, to abuse these products.

When inhalants are abused, the vapors and fumes from these products are taken into the lungs and distributed throughout the body, provoking a feeling of intoxication not unlike that of being in a drunken state.

However, since the sensation wears off quickly, the abuser may be influenced to continue huffing, and the risk greatly increase. Inhalant abuse can lead to headaches, lethargy, fatigue, and body pain.

Continued absorption of toxic chemicals into the body can also cause severe damage to the central nervous system, a decrease in oxygen to the body, and in some cases death.

Sudden Sniffing Death Syndrome may occur among younger users who suffer cardiac arrest from inhaling for the first time.

It commonly occurs when an aerosol is sprayed into a bag, which then covers the nose and mouth. Oxygen is cut off from the body, and the abuser suffocates.

All drugs of abuse activate brain reward pathways that are very old from an evolutionary point of view. These pathways mediate an individual's response to natural rewards, such as food, sex, and social interaction. Drugs of abuse activate these reward pathways with great power not seen under normal environmental conditions.

SIGNS THAT A LOVED ONE MAY BE ABUSING INHALANTS

Parents in particular should be alert and look for signs their children are abusing household items for a quick high. Some signs to look out for may include:

• Constant dizziness or slurring of speech
• Constant sniffling, red eyes and runny nose
• Unusual behavior with markers or correction fluid (bending close while using them)
• Paint marks or other unusual stains on the face

Family members often deny or minimize drug addiction problems and unwittingly contribute to the continuation of drug abuse by well-meaning behaviors such as shielding the addict from adverse consequences of abuse or taking over family or economic responsibilities.

Does this mean that you should get rid of all items in your house that may be abused. Of course not. When used properly, many of these products serve a useful purpose in our daily lives.

It is important, however, to be aware of the risk involved in mishandling aerosols, lighter fluids, and other products that give off fumes.

Parents should school their children accordingly and watch for any sign of abuse. For those that are constantly abusing inhalants, rehabilitation may be needed in order to stop the damage being done to the body.

If you suspect a loved one of abusing inhalants, speak to a physician or a drug rehab professional immediately to determine the next steps in helping the user. The sooner you act, the sooner you can help preserve the quality of your loved one's life.

While enrolled in in-patient drug addiction rehab, patients attend classes, hear lectures, and participate in individual, group and family counseling sessions. The activities aim to educate patients about drug addiction, help them recognize that they have the disease, and help them adjust to a life without drugs.