1. Inhalants
Poison Control

2. Inhalant Abuse - Defined
Inhalant abuse is the inhalation of volatile substances for the express purpose of attaining a high.
Average age of an inhalant abuser is 14 years old.
Largest group of abusers are Middle Schoolers

3. Poison Alert
There are over 1,400 potentially abusable on the market today. These are poisons not meant for human consumption!
Paint
Glue
Paint thinner
Toxic markers
Lighter fluid
Spray paint
Room fresheners
Nitrous oxide

4. Why do people use inhalants?
Generally inexpensive
Don’t know the consequences
Easily accessible

5. Reasons given by youth Hallucinations
Enjoy the dizziness and “out there” feeling
A belief the high can be controlled
Instant gratification

6. Biggest Dangers of Inhalants
Sudden Death
Asphyxia: solvent gases limits O2, causing breathing to stop
Suffocation: typically seen with inhalant users who use bags to trap substances
Choking of vomit
Careless behaviors in potentially dangerous situations
Sudden sniffing death syndrome: cardiac arrest

7. Over time or right away Nausea Nose bleeds Loss of smell
Muscle weakness
Violent behaviors
Irregular heart beat
Nervous system damage
Irreversible brain damage
Liver, lung and kidney damage
Involuntary passing of urine and feces

8. Let’s take a look!
Warning – those who are squeamish, watch anyway!

9. Effects on your organs

10. Signs of a user Slurred speech Drunk, dizzy or dazed appearance
Unusual breath odor
Chemical smell on clothing
Paint stains on body or face
Red eyes
Runny nose