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10 February, 2010

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Inhalants

Inhalants are chemical substances that give off fumes or vapours at room temperature. Breathing in these fumes produces euphoric feelings or a ‘high’, similar to intoxication with alcohol or marijuana. However, using inhalants on a regular basis can lead to significant health problems including liver, kidney and brain damage and death. Inhalants are also known as volatile substances or solvents.

‘Chroming’ (inhaling aerosol spray paint) and petrol sniffing are two forms of inhalant misuse that are currently common in Australia, particularly among some young people. Most inhalants are familiar household or everyday products that are dangerous when they are misused.

Young people the most common users
The typical inhalant user is a teenager in the first few years of secondary school. According to a 2005 survey of Australian secondary school students:

17.2 per cent of students aged 12–17 years had used inhalants at least once
12.9 per cent of students aged 12–17 years had used inhalants in the previous 12 months
Around 10 per cent of 12 year olds had used some type of inhalant in the previous month.

Some adults involved in the ‘club scene’ also use inhalants to heighten their experience.

How inhalants work
Inhalants are nervous system depressants. This means they slow down the workings of the brain. When inhaled, the fumes enter the bloodstream very quickly and the effects are felt after just a few seconds. Their effects mimic alcohol (another depressant) but the effect is much quicker because the chemicals are sent straight to the blood through the lungs, instead of through the stomach. A headache usually follows.

Types of inhalants
Most inhalants are not banned drugs, but legal everyday products used in an unsafe way. Inhalants may be solvents, gases or nitrites.

Commonly used inhalants include:

Aerosol products (such as spray paint)
Petrol (gasoline)
Glues (adhesives)
Paint and paint thinners
Hair spray
Cleaning fluid
Gas from lighters or barbecues (butane)
Nail polish remover
Felt pens
Cooking spray
Typewriter correction fluid
Oven cleaners
Nitrous oxide.

Common effects
The effects of inhalants depend on the substance, the strength of the dose, the physical make-up of the user and their state of mind at the time. Generally, some of the common effects of inhalants include:

Feelings of excitement and euphoria
Less inhibitions
Loss of coordination
Risk-taking behaviour
Dizziness
Sneezing and coughing
Watering eyes
Running nose.

The symptoms of overdose
In high doses, inhalants can cause disorientation, nausea, diarrhoea and nose bleeds. The symptoms of overdose include hallucinations, drowsiness and coma. Some inhalant-related deaths are thought to have been caused by a condition called ‘sudden sniffing syndrome’. This is a type of heart failure that can strike if the user attempts any physical exertion after inhaling. Users have also been accidentally killed by engaging in risky behaviours, such as jumping off high buildings while under the influence.

Chroming
Inhalant use is often generally referred to as ‘chroming’, but chroming is only one of a number of methods commonly used. Chroming involves spraying (chrome) paint from an aerosol can into a plastic bag and then breathing in the vapours from the bag. Chroming has been identified as the most common form of inhalant misuse in Australia.

Petrol sniffing
Petrol sniffing typically involves a small amount of fuel being placed in a soft drink can and inhaled. In Australia, petrol sniffing is most commonly practiced by Indigenous males aged 8–30 years, particularly those aged 15–19 years. Studies estimate that 15–20 per cent of petrol sniffers are female.

Some petrol sniffers engage in experimental or recreational use. Chronic sniffers engage in more frequent and intensive petrol sniffing and are more likely to suffer serious long-term effects.

Dependence, tolerance and withdrawal
Users can develop a psychological dependence on inhalants. However, research suggests that the risk of physical dependence is relatively small. Withdrawal symptoms are usually mild but can include depression, anxiety, loss of appetite, dizziness, tremors and nausea.

Damage caused by long-term use
Using inhalants on a regular basis can lead to significant health problems, including:

Anaemia
Weight loss
Muscle tremors
Irritability
Memory problems and other cognitive difficulties
Chemical poisoning, which can lead to brain, liver and kidney damage.

In an emergency, call for help
If someone you are with overdoses or has an adverse reaction while using ecstasy, dial triple zero (000) to call an ambulance immediately. A quick response can save the person’s life. Don’t delay because you think you or your friend might get into trouble. Ambulance officers are not obliged to call the police.

Stay with the person until the ambulance arrives and tell the ambulance officers as much as you can about what drugs were taken, how long ago and any pre-existing medical conditions the person may have.

Type of help available
Treatment options for drug dependency include detoxification, individual counselling and group therapy. See your doctor for information and referral, or contact an alcohol and other drug service in your area.

Where to get help

If an overdose is suspected, call an ambulance immediately. Dial triple zero (000)
Your doctor
Alcohol and other drug service
DrugInfo Clearinghouse Tel. 1300 858 584 – for information
DirectLine Tel. 1800 888 236 – for 24-hour confidential drug and alcohol telephone counselling, information and referral
YSASline Tel. 1800 014 446 – for information, counselling and referral to youth-specific alcohol and other drug services
Family Drug Help Tel. 1300 660 068

Things to remember

Inhalants are chemical substances that give off fumes and are sometimes inhaled to achieve a ‘high’.
The typical user is a teenager in their first few years of high school.
Long-term use can lead to a range of health problems, such as anaemia, brain damage and leukaemia.

You might also be interested in:
Drugs - some facts.
Drugs - teenagers.
Heroin.
Tranquillisers.

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