3. Types of Inhalants
Four different categories of Inhalants
Volatile solvents: liquids that
become a gas at room
temperature Ex. Paint thinners
removers, gasoline, glues
Aerosol Sprays: some of the
most prevalent inhalants in the
home includes spray
paint, deodorant, hair
sprays, vegetable oil, cooking
sprays and static cling sprays
Gases: include medical
gases, household or
commercial products ex.
Propane tanks, whipped cream
dispensers
Nitrites: Street names
“Poppers” or “Shappers” which
are found in some room
deodorizers and capsules that
release vapors when opened
5. Who’s at Risk?
Most commonly abused by young adolescents and
children
In 2011, NIDA took a survey of high schoolers who
used inhalants
“The only class of substance abused more by
younger than by older teens” (NIDA)
7. What Does it Do to Our Bodies
Effects are similar to those of anesthetics which
slows the body’s function
Can experience slight stimulation
Feelings of less inhibition/loss of consciousness
Can suffer sudden sniffing death syndrome
This means the user can die the 1st, 10th, or
100th time they use an inhalant
Causes damage to the
heart, kidney, brain, liver, bone marrow and other
organs
8. Long and Short Term Damage
Short-term:
Increased heart rate
Hallucinations or delusions
Losing feeling or
consciousness
Nausea and vomiting
Loss of coordination
Slurred speech
Long-term
Brain damage
Muscle weakness
Depression
Headaches/nosebleeds
Loss of sense of smell or
hearing
9. What are the Risks?
Signs of a User
Inhalants can kill you in many
different ways
Sudden sniffing death,
asphyxia, choking,
suffocation,
Can cause injuries or lead
someone to commit suicide
Some of the signs of inhalant
abuser
Mood swings
Extreme anger, agitation,
irritability
Exhaustion
Loss of appetite
Frequent vomiting
Hallucinations/illusions
Facial rashes/blisters
10. Why use Inhalants?
Why do people choose to use inhalants?
Ease of access– price, availability, not illegal, easily
stolen
Experimentation
Peer group pressure
Enjoyment
Escape from issues in their lives
Like other drug abusers, inhalant users are generally
categorized into 3 groups
Experimental users: try it and don’t’ like it
Occasional users: social and recreational use
Chronic users: long term use
11. Quote
“The use of inhalants is a big
concern since these products
are legal and can result in
irreparable brain damage or
death”
Charles Curie
12. Discussion Question
Does it surprise you that the majority of the
users are so young? What do you think
could be done to help stop this issue?
13. Resources
National inhalant prevention coalition. (n.d.). Retrieved from
http://www.inhalants.org/about.htm
National institute on drug abuse. (n.d.). Retrieved from
http://www.drugabuse.gov/drugs-abuse/inhalants
National inhalants information service. (2013, October).
Retrieved from
http://www.inhalantsinfo.org.au/inhalant_users.php
National institute on drug abuse: Drugfacts.
(2012, September ). Retrieved from
http://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/inhalants
Teenshealth:inhalants. (2012, Jan). Retrieved from
http://kidshealth.org/teen/drug_alcohol/drugs/inhalants.html