|
INHALANTS
HEALTH EFFECTS WEB SITE: INHALANT ABUSE
PREVENTION http://www.inhalant.org/media/inhalant-statistics-and-reports/ Includes
statistics, video, and resources VIDEO: DANGERS OF
INHALANTS EDUCATIONAL VIDEO
↓ MORE DATA http://teens.drugabuse.gov/drug-facts/inhalants Short-Term Effects Within seconds, users feel intoxicated and experience effects
similar to those of alcohol, such as slurred speech, lack of coordination,
euphoria (a feeling of intense happiness), and dizziness. Some users also
experience lightheadedness, hallucinations (seeing things that are not really
there), and delusions (believing something that is not true). If enough of
the chemical is inhaled, nearly all solvents and gases produce anesthesia—a
loss of sensation—and can lead to unconsciousness. The high usually lasts only a few minutes, causing
people to continue the high by inhaling repeatedly, which is very dangerous.
Repeated use in one session can cause a person to lose consciousness and
possibly even die. With repeated
inhaling, many users feel less inhibited and less in control. Some may feel
drowsy for several hours and have a headache that lasts a while. Long-Term Effects Inhalants often contain
more than one chemical. Some chemicals leave the body quickly, but others
stay for a long time and get absorbed by fatty tissues in the brain and
central nervous system. Over the long term, the chemicals can cause serious
problems: ·
Damage to nerve fibers. Long-term
inhalant use can break down the protective sheath around certain nerve fibers
in the brain and elsewhere in the body. When this happens, nerve cells are
not able to send messages as well, which can cause muscle spasms and tremors
or even permanent trouble with basic actions like walking, bending, and
talking. These effects are similar to what happens to people with multiple
sclerosis. ·
·
Damage to brain cells. Inhalants
also can damage brain cells by preventing them from getting enough oxygen.
The effects of this condition, also known as brain hypoxia, depend on the
area of the brain affected. The hippocampus, for example, is responsible for
memory, so someone who repeatedly uses inhalants may be unable to learn new
things or may have a hard time carrying on simple conversations. If the
cerebral cortex is affected, the ability to solve complex problems and plan
ahead will be compromised. And, if the cerebellum is affected, it can cause a
person to move slowly or be clumsy. Regular use of inhalants can cause serious harm to vital
organs and systems besides the brain. Inhalants can cause: Heart damage Liver failure Muscle weakness Aplastic anemia—the body produces fewer blood cells Nerve damage, which can lead to chronic pain Damage to these
organs is not reversible even when the person stops abusing inhalants. Death (even after just one use) v Sudden sniffing death—heart beats
quickly and irregularly, suddenly stops (cardiac arrest) v Asphyxiation—toxic fumes
replace oxygen in the lungs so that a person stops breathing v Suffocation—air blocked from
entering the lungs by inhaling fumes from a plastic bag v Convulsions or
seizures—abnormal electrical discharges in the brain v Coma—the brain shuts
down all but the most vital functions v Choking—inhaling vomit
after inhalant use v Injuries—accidents,
including driving, while intoxicated |
