Inhalants Inhalants include a wide variety of breathable chemicals that produce mind-altering results. Categories - Volatile solvents and gases, aerosols and nitrates, anesthetics Street names - huffing, sniffing, snorting, bagging, poppers, snappers, whippets, bullet, quick silver, rush, locker room, climax Examples - adhesives (rubber cement), aerosols (spray paint, hair spray, air freshener), solvents (nail polish remover, lighter fluid, white out), cleaners (dry cleaning fluid, spot remover), volatile solvents (whip cream, dessert toppings), nitrates (room deodorizers, prescriptions), nitrous oxide (laughing gas, whippets) The high - can last from a few seconds to several hours depending on chemical used. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ There is an important distinction between the anesthetics and the other categories of inhalants. While the others usually cause elevated blood pressure, the anesthetics usually cause blood pressure to become lower than normal. This is due to the fact that the anesthetics restrict the pumping action of the heart, so the heart cannot contract as forcibly as it usually does.

It is predicted that 1 in 3 children will experiment with an inhalant. Most sniffers are boys or young men Most sniffers are young - they begin the practice between 8 and 12 years of age. Chronic sniffers always end up one of three ways: in the hospital, in prison, or dead. Experience - Depending on which substance is used the user may experience: bizarre thoughts, possible hallucinations, light-headedness, floating sensation dizziness and numbness, drowsiness and weakness, fear, guilt, loneliness, euphoria, altered shapes and colors, distorted space perception inebriation similar to alcohol intoxication nausea and excessive salivation

Hazards to the body One thing all inhalants have in common is that they replace oxygen in the blood. In large enough amounts this can lead to asphyxiation, unconsciousness, and death. Sniffing causes brain damage. Brain cells are the first to be damaged when inhalants rob the body of oxygen. Brain damage shows up as trouble concentrating, short term memory loss, and difficulty solving problems. Sniffing destroys nerve cells in the brain. This condition is called neuropathy. There is a loss of muscle coordination, difficulty walking or sitting straight for even a few minutes. Sniffing damages the liver and kidneys, the immune system Sniffing damages the throat, nasal passageways, and lungs. Sniffing damages the teeth and gums. Muscle wasting, reduced muscle tone Loss of appetite, tiredness, nausea and nosebleeds A rash around the nose and/or mouth, slurred speech Withdrawal Headaches, chills Hallucinations, delirium stomach cramps Chronic exposure to inhalants can produce significant and irreversible damage to the heart lungs, liver and kidneys. An intensive treatment program is usually needed to kick the habit and treatment sometimes takes years.