Inhalant Abuse 8th Grade Wellness

What are Inhalants? Inhalants are dangerous chemical substances that are inhaled for the purpose of altering one’s perception of the environment, or ‘getting high’. Inhalants include many common household items Inhalants are generally inexpensive and easy to obtain. Bullet Point 2: Common household items that are safe when used for their intended purpose, but may become dangerous when inhaled.

Table Partner Activity Discuss and list some common inhalants that are most often abused. Think to the video we watched about inhalants to get some ideas.

Types of Inhalants Liquids Aerosols Gases Nitrites Leather Cleaner Paint thinner Paint Remover Dry-Cleaning Fluids Gasoline Glues Correction Fluids, Felt-Tip Markers Spray Paints Deodorant Hair Sprays Vegetable Oil Sprays Fabric Protector Spray Chloroform Nitrous Oxide Whipped Cream Cans Butane Lighters Propane Tanks Refrigerants Leather Cleaner Room Deodorizer Food Preservatives Liquids Aerosols Gases Nitrites

A 2008 survey found that 14. 9% of 8th graders, 12 A 2008 survey found that 14.9% of 8th graders, 12.3% of 10th graders and 9.5% of 12th graders had abused inhalants at least once in the previous year. 75% of inhalant abusers were under 18 when they first started using inhalants Males and females are equally likely to abuse inhalants. Teenagers who abuse inhalants tend to come from higher income families and are often perceived as good kids.

Street Names for Inhalant Abuse Air Blast Ames Amys Aroma of Men Huff Boppers Bullet Bolt Buzz Bomb Discorama Hardware Hippie Crack Hiagra in a Bottle Highball Moon Gas Thrust Snappers Heart-on Medusa Spray Pearls Whiteout Poppers Snotballs Shoot the Breeze Whippets Texas Shoe Shine Toilet Water Satan’s Secret Poor Man’s Pot Quicksilver Rush Snappers Laughing Gas Locker Room Street Names for Inhalant Abuse

How are Inhalants Used? Bagging Inhaling fumes from a substance placed inside of a bag Huffing Inhaling substances soaked into a rag Balloons Inhaling a substances placed inside of a balloon Sniffing/Snorting Inhaling fumes from a container Spraying Spraying inhalant directly into the nose/mouth

Table Partner Activity Discuss and list some of the short-term responses to inhalant use. Think to the video we watched about inhalants to get some ideas.

Slight Stimulation/Euphoria Short-Term Response to Inhalant Use Slight Stimulation/Euphoria Drowsiness Loss of Consciousness Death Hallucinations Lowered Inhibitions Blurry Vision 9

Sudden Sniffing Death Syndrome Inhalants may cause the heart to become highly sensitive to the effects of adrenaline. is heart failure resulting from an irregular heartbeat, usually caused by stress or strenuous activity after using inhalants. Sudden Sniffing Death Syndrome Death can result any time a person uses inhalants; even the first time. SSDS Asphyxiation Inhaled chemicals replace oxygen in the bloodstream which may result in death.

The Impact of Inhalant Abuse On the Body 11

The Truth About Inhalants http://www.nida.nih.gov/ResearchReports/Inhalants/Inhalants.html The Truth About Inhalants Please click on this link to open the video.

Signs of Inhalant Abuse Slurred Speech Nausea/Loss of Appetite Irritability Paint or Other Unusual Stains on Face or Clothing Inattentiveness Red Eyes, Runny Nose Depression Lack of Coordination Anxiety Restlessness Acting Drunk or Disoriented Empty Chemical Containers in Trash 13

TREATMENT Medical Intervention Detailed history of substances abused. Identification and treatment of medical problems that resulted from inhalant abuse. Psychotherapy Inhalant abusers may have psychological conditions, such as low self-esteem and depression, which have not been properly treated in the past. It is important to identify mental health needs and develop a therapy plan to address the underlying problems that may have led to inhalant abuse. Relapse Education on the dangers of inhalant abuse Enlist family support . Encouragement to form new friendships and avoidance of peers who abuse inhalants. Treatment approaches for inhalant abusers must be tailored to meet their unique needs. A good treatment program for anyone with an inhalant abuse problem includes:

For More Information: For Support: http://www.drugabuse.gov/PDF/RRinhalants.pdf http://www.inhalant.org/media/kit.php http://www.drugabuse.gov/drugpages/Stats.html For Support: http://www.dailystrength.org/c/Inhalant-Abuse/support-group http://www.rehabtreatment.info/albany-outpatient.htm

References: http://www.nida.nih.gov/ResearchReports/Inhalants/Inhalants.html http://www.drugfreeworld.org/drugfacts/inhalants.html http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vBhydk4lM7w http://www.inhalants.org/Inhalants_March2003.pdf http://www.aota.org/Archive/PrArchive/2008Releases/SubstanceAbuse.aspx