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How are inhalants used?
Inhalants can be breathed
in through the nose or the mouth in a variety of ways, such as:
- "Sniffing" or "snorting" fumes from containers;
- Spraying aerosols directly into the nose or mouth;
- "Bagging"-sniffing or inhaling fumes from substances sprayed or deposited inside a plastic or paper bag;
- "Huffing" from an inhalant-soaked rag stuffed in the mouth; and
- Inhaling from balloons filled with nitrous oxide.
Inhaled chemicals are rapidly absorbed through the lungs into the bloodstream and quickly
distributed to the brain and
other organs. Within seconds of inhalation, the user experiences intoxication along with other effects similar to those produced by alcohol. Alcohol-like effects may include slurred speech, an inability to coordinate movements, euphoria, and dizziness. In addition, users may experience lightheadedness, hallucinations, and delusions.
Because intoxication lasts
only a few minutes, abusers
frequently seek to prolong the high by continuing to inhale repeatedly over the course of several hours, a very dangerous practice. With successive
inhalations, abusers can suffer loss of consciousness and death. At the least, they will feel less inhibited and less in control. After heavy use of inhalants, abusers may feel drowsy for
several hours and experience a lingering headache.
How do inhalants
produce their effects?
Many brain systems may be involved in the anesthetic, intoxicating, and reinforcing effects of different inhalants. Nearly all abused inhalants (other than nitrites) produce a pleasurable effect by depressing the CNS. Evidence from animal studies suggests that a number of commonly abused volatile solvents and anesthetic gases have neurobehavioral effects and mechanisms of action similar to those produced by CNS depressants, which include alcohol and medications such as sedatives and anesthetics.
A recent study indicates that toluene, a solvent found in many commonly abused inhalants, including model airplane glue, paint sprays, and paint and nail polish removers, activates the brain's dopamine system. The dopamine system has been shown to play
a role in the rewarding effects of many drugs of abuse. Nitrites, in contrast, dilate and relax blood
vessels rather than acting as anesthetic agents.
What are the short-
and long-term effects
of inhalant use?
Although the chemical substances found in inhalants may produce various pharmacological effects, most inhalants produce a rapid high that resembles alcohol intoxication with initial excitation, then drowsiness, disinhibition, lightheadedness, and agitation. If
sufficient amounts are inhaled, nearly all solvents and gases
produce anesthesia, a loss of sensation, and even unconsciousness.
The chemicals found in solvents, aerosol sprays, and gases can produce a variety of additional effects during or shortly after use. These effects are
related to inhalant intoxication and may include belligerence, apathy, impaired judgment, and impaired functioning in work
or social situations. Dizziness, drowsiness, slurred speech, lethargy, depressed reflexes,
general muscle weakness, and stupor are other possible effects. For example, research shows
that toluene can produce headache, euphoria, giddy feelings, and inability to coordinate movements. Exposure to high doses can cause confusion and delirium. Nausea and vomiting are other common side effects.
Inhaled nitrites dilate blood vessels, increase heart rate, and produce a sensation of heat
and excitement that can last for several minutes. Other effects can include flush, dizziness, and headache. Unlike other inhalants, which are abused mainly for their intoxicating effects, nitrites are abused primarily because they are believed to enhance sexual pleasure and performance.
A strong need to continue using inhalants has been reported among many individuals,
particularly those who abuse inhalants for prolonged periods over many days. Compulsive
use and a mild withdrawal syndrome can occur with long-term inhalant abuse. Additional
symptoms exhibited by long-term inhalant abusers include weight loss, muscle weakness, disorientation, inattentiveness, lack of coordination, irritability, and depression.
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