inhalants aimee n

Inhalants are usually quick-evaporating substances whose chemical vapors can cause mind-altering effects.

• Volatile Inhalants- inhalants that vaporize at room temperature.

• Aerosols-sprays that contain propellants

and solvents.

• Gases-found in household or commercial products and used as medical anesthetics.

• Nitrates-inhalants that dilate (expand) the blood vessels and relax the muscles.

Poppers, Snappers, Bolt, Bullet, Buzz Bombs, Glue (Hmm… sounds familiar) Rush, and Whippets, just to name a few.

•Most inhalants act directly on the central nervous system to produce psychoactive, or mind-altering, effects.•Teens who have used inhalants in the past year are more likely to use marijuana, hallucinogens, cocaine, and prescription drugs for non-medical uses.•Some long-term effects include weight loss, muscle weakness, disorientation, lack of coordination, and depression.

First off, it can kill you. Duh! Also, inhalants can cause damage to the Central Nervous System. This means you could become paralyzed. Also, inhalants are gateway drugs, which means they lead to more dangerous drugs.

This story is about a teen named Jamie. On January 9, 2008, one of her friends (who was driving) was sniffing computer cleaner. There were three other people in the car. The driver hit the back end of a utility trailer hauling large equipment going 80 mph. The small Toyota Camry they were driving flipped and hit a tree. This left Jamie in a critical condition. After the surgeries needed to save her life, she was finally sent home, but still in a semi-state coma. She can blink, but cannot walk or talk. Her mom has had to give up most of her life to help Jamie recover.

SNIFFING INHALANTS EFFECTS OTHERS, NOT JUST YOU

•In 2002, more than 2.6 million teens ages 12 to 17 had used inhalants at least once in their lifetime.

•17.1% of 8th graders, 13.1% of 10th graders, and 11.4% of 12th graders reported lifetime use of inhalants. •Teens who had used an inhalant in the past year were more likely to use marijuana, hallucinogens, cocaine, and prescription drugs for non-medical uses than those who had not used inhalants in the past year.

There are many inhalants, but most of them are found in homes. That is why they are mostly used by teens. Some inhalants found in homes are; air fresheners, markers, paint, glue, hair spray, deodorant, and shoe polish.

The End!The End!

Resources:

•http://www.nida.nih.gov/Infofacts/Inhalants.html

•http://www.ihs.org/body.cfm?id=585

•http://www.justice.gov/dea/concern/inhalants.html

•http://www.oas.samsha. gov/2k4/inhalants/inhalants.htm

•http://messageboard.inhalant.org/post?id=3000090