Inhalants Vocabulary

1. (G) VAPORIZE2. (A) PROPANE3. (I) TOLUENE4.(H) NITROUS OXIDE5. (E) BUTANE6. (F) MUSCLE WASTING7. (B) PAINT THINNER8. (D) SOLVENT9. (C) ANESTHETICS

WWW.TRUTHABOUTDRUGS.ORG

The Truth about Inhalants

What are Inhalants?

Vapors from toxic substances which are inhaled to reach a quick high

Products most often used Shoe polish Glue Toluene Gasoline Lighter fluid Nitrous oxide Spray paint Correction fluid (whiteout) Cleaning fluid Lacquer thinner

Effects

Slow down the body’s functionsAfter initial high and loss of inhibition then

experience Drowsiness light-headedness agitation

Chemicals absorbed through lungs and into bloodstream

Quickly reaches brain and other organs Causes irreversible physical and mental

damage

Methods

Sniffing Inhale chemical vapors directly from open containers

Huffing Breathe fumes from rags soaked in chemicals

Directly Spray substance into nose or mouth Pour it onto their collar, sleeves, or cuffs and sniff them

periodically

Bagging Inhale fumes from inside a paper or plastic bag Increases chance of suffocation

Poppers and whippets are sold at concerts and dance clubs

Street Names

Air BlastHighballAmesShoot the breezeHuffSnappersSnotballsSpray

BoppersWhippetsWhiteoutPearlsBullet boltMoon GasBullet

How it affects your body

Damage to the heart, kidneys, brain, liver, bone marrow, and other organs

Starves the body of oxygen and forces heart to beat irregularly and more rapidly

Nausea and nosebleedsLose their sense of hearing or smell

Chronic use can lead to reduced muscle tone and gradual destruction of immune system

Sudden Sniffing Death Syndrome can happen the first or 100th time an inhalant is used Replaces oxygen with a chemical in the lungs which

then goes to the central nervous system so that breathing ceases

Short Term Effects

Most inhalants directly affect the nervous system to produce mind-altering effects

Slurred speechDrunk, dizzy, or dazed appearanceHallucinationsHeadachesRashes around nose and mouthHostility

Long Term Effects

Muscle weaknessDisorientationDepressionIrreversible organ damageMemory impairment and diminished

intelligenceHearing lossDeath from heart failure and asphyxiationSniffing glue and paint thinner – kidney Sniffing toluene and other solvents – liver

Addiction

Can become physically and psychologically addictiveHave a strong urge to continue use Habitual users coming off inhalants experience

withdrawal Nausea Excessive sweating Muscle cramps Headaches Chills Agitation Shaking Hallucinations Severe cases – convulsions

Type: Liquids

Vaporize at room temperatureFound in easily available household and

industrial products Paint thinners Degreasers Gasoline Glues Correction fluids Felt-tip marker fluids

Type: Sprays

Spray paintsDeodorantHair spraysVegetable oil spraysFabric protector sprays

Type: Gases

Medical anestheticsButane lightersPropane tanksWhipped cream dispensersRefrigerants

Type: Nitrites

Special class of inhalantsChemical found in food preservatives,

leather cleaner, and room deodorizersAct directly on the central nervous system,

brain, and spinal cordUsed as sexual enhancers Commonly known as poppers or snappers

Are Inhalants Legal?

Not regulated under the Controlled Substances Act

38 states have places restrictions on the sale and distribution to minors of certain products that are commonly abused

Some states have introduced fines, incarceration or mandatory treatment for the following: Sale Distribution Use and/or possession

Laws also exists in some states prohibiting the recreational inhalation of nitrous oxide