Inhalants Presentation Mrs. Gregorski

What is inhalant use? Inhalant use refers to the intentional breathing of gas or vapors with the purpose of reaching a high. Inhalants are legal, everyday products which have a useful purpose, but can be misused. You're probably familiar with many of these substances - - paint, glue and others. But you probably don't know that there are more than 1,000 products that are very dangerous when inhaled -- things like typewriter correction fluid, air-conditioning refrigerant, felt tip markers, spray paint, air freshener, butane and even cooking spray.

Who is at risk? Inhalants are an equal opportunity method of substance abuse. Statistics show that young, white males have the highest usage rates. Hispanic and American Indian populations also show high rates of usage.

Sudden Sniffing Death Syndrome Nearly all used products produce effects similar to anesthetics, which slow down the body's function. Varying upon level of dosage, the user can experience slight stimulation, feeling of less inhibition or loss of consciousness. The user can also suffer from Sudden Sniffing Death Syndrome. The user can die the 1st, 10th or 100th time he or she uses an inhalant.

Signs of an Inhalant User: There is a common link between inhalant use and problems in school failing grades, failing grades, chronic absences chronic absences laziness laziness

Other signs include the following: paint or stains on body or clothing spots or sores around the mouth red or runny eyes or nose chemical breath odor drunk, dazed or dizzy appearance nausea, loss of appetite anxiety, excitability, irritability

A. BRAIN: Many inhalants are thought to dissolve the protective myelin sheath that surrounds neurons - brain cells - resulting in cell death. 1. CEREBRAL CORTEX Cellular death here causes permanent personality changes, memory impairment, hallucinations and learning disabilities. DAMAGE INHALANTS CAN DO TO THE BODY & BRAIN

2. CEREBELLUM This is the center that controls balance and coordination. Inhalant- related damage results in loss of coordination and slurred speech. Chronic abusers experience tremors and uncontrollable shaking. 3. OPHTHALMIC NERVE Toluene may affect this nerve causing sight disorders. DAMAGE INHALANTS CAN DO TO THE BODY & BRAIN

B. BLOOD: Some substances like paint thinner chemically block the oxygen carrying capacity of the blood. C. LUNGS: Repeated use of spray paint as an inhalant can cause lung damage. DAMAGE INHALANTS CAN DO TO THE BODY & BRAIN

D. HEART: Abuse of inhalants can result in "sudden sniffing death syndrome." This is due to a sudden and unexpected disturbance of the heart's rhythm. All inhalants can produce sudden sniffing death syndrome. E. LIVER: a component of aerosol paints and correction fluid have been linked to damage of this organ. DAMAGE INHALANTS CAN DO TO THE BODY & BRAIN

F. KIDNEY: Inhalants containing toluene impair the kidney's ability to control the amount of acid in the blood. This is reversible when toluene leaves the body but, in the long-term, kidney stones may develop G. MUSCLE: Chronic inhalant abuse can lead to muscle wasting, reduced muscle tone and strength. DAMAGE INHALANTS CAN DO TO THE BODY & BRAIN

H. PERIPHERAL NERVOUS SYSTEM: Chronic inhalation of nitrous oxide (whipped cream propellant) and hexane (found in some glues and camp stove fuels) results in damage to the peripheral nerves. Symptoms can include numbness, a tingling sensation or total paralysis. I. ACOUSTIC NERVE AND MUSCLE: Toluene inhalation destroys cells that relay sound to the brain. Chronic abusers can become deaf. DAMAGE INHALANTS CAN DO TO THE BODY & BRAIN

Potential Sudden Sniffing Death Short term memory loss Hearing loss Limb spasms Permanent brain damage Liver and kidney damage Long Term Effects of Inhalants

The Four Categories Inhalants are divided into four categories: Volatile solvents – Include items such as nail polish remover, lighter fluids, paint thinner, cleaning products, correction fluid, felt-tip markers and gasoline. Aerosols – Iinclude items such as hair spray, spray paint, computer duster and anything that comes from an aerosol can.

The Four Categories Inhalants are divided into four categories: Gases – Include helium, nitrous oxide (laughing gas), freon, ether, butane and chloroform. Nitrites –The nitrites are sealed in capsules and are "popped" to release the vapors and are referred to as "poppers" in street lingo.

Signs and Symptoms Most Frequently Reported in Long-Term, Heavy Users Containing Solvents Short-term memory loss Short-term memory loss Emotional instability Emotional instability Cognitive impairment Cognitive impairment Slurred speech Slurred speech Staggering or stumbling Staggering or stumbling Tremor Tremor Hearing loss Hearing loss Loss of sense of smell Loss of sense of smell

WHAT TO DO WHEN SOMEONE IS HUFFING Remain calm and do not panic. Do not excite or argue with the abuser when they are under the influence, as they can become aggressive or violent. If the person is unconscious or not breathing, call for help. If the person is conscious, keep him or her calm and in a well-ventilated room. Excitement or stimulation can cause hallucinations or violence.

WHAT TO DO WHEN SOMEONE IS HUFFING Activity or stress may cause heart problems which may lead to "Sudden Sniffing Death.“ Talk with other persons present or check the area for clues to what was used. Once the person is recovered, seek professional help for abuser: school nurse, counselor, physician, other health care worker.

Can inhalant use be treated? Treatment facilities for inhalant users are rare and difficult to find. Users suffer a high rate of relapse, and require thirty to forty days or more of detoxification. Users suffer withdrawal symptoms which can include hallucinations, nausea, excessive sweating, hand tremors, muscle cramps, headaches, chills and delirium tremens.

Can inhalant use be treated? Follow-up treatment is very important. If you or someone you know is seeking help for inhalant abuse, you can contact the National Inhalant Prevention Coalition at for information on treatment centers and general information on inhalants. Through a network of nationwide contacts, NIPC can help (but not guarantee) finding a center in your area that treats inhalant use.

Keith Lawrence Wagner December 12, 1982 to August 7, 1998 He is sadly missed, but forever loved by me, his mother, Margaret Wagner; his father Lawrence, his sisters Cheryl Marie (18) and Margaret Loretta (23) and his companion Peanut, Keith's white and brown springer spaniel. Keith had dreams of becoming a police officer or of joining the army. When he was small he'd dress from head to toe in army fatigues - oh, what a picture he made.

Keith Lawrence Wagner December 12, 1982 to August 7, 1998 Keith's short life started with many difficulties. Keith was labeled as having disabilities and attended school full time from the age of three in order to keep up with his peers. Keith's short life started with many difficulties. Keith was labeled as having disabilities and attended school full time from the age of three in order to keep up with his peers. We were fortunate that Keith had teachers who led him with patience and love. And Keith grew to be a very kind and loving young man. Keith accepted everyone as they were and treated them with kindness and respect. I guess when you are labeled as being disabled, you develop a sense of other people that enables you to look beyond their problems and limitations and accept them just as they are.

Keith Lawrence Wagner December 12, 1982 to August 7, 1998 In spite of Keith's limitations and the obstacles he faced every day, he became a star on the Lacrosse team. He was nicknamed Wheels for his ability to run. He joined the wrestling team his freshman year and became known as Iron Man. Keith was six feet tall, 145 pounds, had dark brown hair he often had cut in a mohawk and brown eyes. He also had a smile that would light up a room the moment he entered.

Keith Lawrence Wagner December 12, 1982 to August 7, 1998 He wasn't perfect, but what teenager is? But he was special, precious and had much to offer. But Keith never had the chance to fulfill his dreams. He never had the chance to grow up and do all the things that most teenagers do. I will never see him off to college or attend his graduation. I will never cry at his wedding or hold his children in my arms. In fact, in this life, I will never again be able to see his brilliant smile; hear his teasing voice or be embraced in one of his magnificent hugs. Keith is dead!!!!!

Keith Lawrence Wagner December 12, 1982 to August 7, 1998 He didn't die from a serious illness or in a freak traffic accident that occurs everyday. He died needlessly, and that is what hurts the most. He didn't have to die! This is written by a mother who is living every parent's nightmare. It is written in loving memory of my precious son as a tribute to his life. Help me save just one life! And perhaps maybe the life I save will be yours!

PREVENTION TIPS Know the facts. Explain that inhalants are not drugs, they are deadly chemicals and poisons. The facts will prevent curiosity and the temptation to experiment. Involve your parents Involve your teachers Involve law enforcement and physicians