subject: The Truth About Inhalants Addiction [print this page] Inhalants are substances that are capable of producing chemicals in the brain that changes moods. There are several types of substances found in our home that can be inhaled. Many of us don't think of these products as drugs because they were never created to be used to achieve an abusive effect.
Throughout history, substances that have the potential to alter mood were abused. In the last years of the eighteenth century, chloroform, ether, and oxide were discovered. Abuse of inhalants began when these substances were invented. Today, inhalants have evolved in several forms.
Common inhalants abused are volatile solvents such as paint removers or thinners, degreasers, dry-cleaning fluids, gasoline, and glue, volatile solvents like spray paints, hair or deodorant sprays, fabric protector sprays, aerosol computer cleaning products, and vegetable oil sprays, gases including propane tanks and butane lighters, whipping cream aerosols or dispensers (whippets), and refrigerant gases and medical anesthetic gases. One national survey reveals that about 3.0% of U.S. children have tried inhalants by the time they reach fourth grade. Sadly these children develop abuse throughout their life-span. The statistics is quite alarming.
Inhalants are very accessible to young people. Their desire to try different experiences might lead them to inhalant addiction. Inhalant addiction is not a problem to be taken for granted. If your kid is exhibiting short-term memory loss, weight loss, disorientation, nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite, depression, red or runny eyes and nose, chemical odor on the breath, spots or sores around the mouth, and a drunken appearance, you should suspect these as inhalants abuse symptoms.
Inhalants are so addictive that the abusers develop a drug addiction in it. Most people will have frequent cravings for inhalants and they need to increase the dosage to get the effect they desire. When the drug's effect runs out, the abuser experiences symptoms of inhalants abuse withdrawal. They experience headaches, hand tremors, hallucination and psychosis, aggression and irritability.
Inhalant abuse poses a threat to the abuser. It affects almost every system of the body and leads to irreversible damage to vital organs and even death. Immediate addiction treatment must be given to those who are inhalant dependents. They need addiction treatments to help them live drug-free lives.
The youth are the hope of our future. Let's save them from the gripping power of drug addiction. If your kid is suffering from this abuse visit a healthcare provider who could help your child deal with inhalant abuse.
