Inhalants are usually used by teenagers as inhalants generate the same effects as alcohol. Inhalants are often found within the household and easy to acquire.
The abuse of inhalants is relatively low compared to other drugs besides the common cases of abuse happening in solitary regions. Still, there is an addiction tendency attached to the use of inhalant. Inhalants may be an uncommon drug abuse the danger associated with this addiction should not be disregarded.
People who are said to be addicted to inhalants are those who continue to use them even with the knowledge that the inhalant has ill effects on their health. Quitting inhalants can be a very difficult task even for those with a great desire to stop.
Addicted users mostly encounter difficulties quitting this habit due to the presence of inhalants in their homes or in their local stores.
Severe addiction can result in the frequent users to develop both psychological and physical dependencies.
Inhalants are flammable substances which evaporate at room temperature. The effects of an inhalant are not very long and aren't too different from those produced by alcohol.
Inhalants are part of a broad range of chemicals as well as anaesthetics which are grouped together due to a common mode of administration; inhalation. Whippets, huff, hippie crack and laughing gas are just some of the names given to these drugs.
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Inhalant Related Materials
Inhalant abuse includes the abuse of anaesthetics, gases, and household solvents. Household inhalants may include cleaning products, gasoline and anything in between.
To medically reduce sensitivity to pain, anaesthetics are gases that can be used. Some very popular anaesthetics include the Chloroform and Nitrous oxide. Dentists mainly utilise Nitrous oxide in their profession which is also called "laughing gas". Most abusers get it from gas that is used in cans of whipped cream.
Amyl nitrite is another common inhalant which is used by patients with heart disease to enhance their blood flow. Nitrites have at times been considered to be in their own class of inhalants since they act mainly as muscle relaxants, quite distinct from the other inhalants.
Here are some popular Inhalants
- Paint thinners
- Spray paint
- Paint thinner
- Nitrous oxide
- Computer duster spray
- Nail polish remover and nail polish
Misuse And Implications Of Inhalants
While inhalants can be abused through various methods, the most popular is "huffing." Huffing usually entails soaking a rug in a liquid inhalant, then holding the rag to your mouth after which you will inhale the vapours from the soaked rag. Directly from the container, some people inhale the substance through their mouth or nose.
The gas from balloons or in plastic or paper bags is also sometimes inhaled. In an attempt to increase their effects, some of the inhalants are sometimes heated.
Due to similar effects, such as impaired judgment or motor function, inhalant intoxication has been compared to alcohol intoxication. The exception from alcohol is the temporary hallucinatory state that one may experience. The effects of inhalants also last for a much shorter period. Inhalants effects include
- A state of excitement
- Loss of self-control
- Limited reflexes
The largest demographic of inhalant abusers is teenagers. In 2012, the average age of those trying inhalants for the first time was 17 years.
Due to the serious damage, these substances can inflict on the body, any use of inhalants is considered abuse. Higher doses or deep breathing of these solvents can result in a fatal overdose because inhalants act as a central nervous system depressant.
This is often heralded by the user losing touch of reality and experiencing squeamishness and vomiting and eventual unconsciousness. A fatal overdose often results from asphyxiation, heart failure, or the drug preventing the user from breathing on their own.
Treating An Inhalant Addiction
A rare form of substance dependence, highlighting the need for professional treatment are inhalant addiction. For people struggling with an addiction to inhalants, both inpatient and outpatient treatment options are available.
One of the terrible health deficiencies a person can face is inhalant addiction. We can get help on 0800 772 3971 if you need to find treatment for addiction to inhalants or know someone who might.