Inhalants :: essays research papers

SLANG TERMS Laughing gas rush whippets poppers snappers Inhalants are breathable chemicals that produce psycho roundive vapors. People do not think of inhalants as drugs because most of the products were never meant to be used that way. Inhalants are ingested by "sniffing" or snorting (through the nose), "bagging" (inhaling fumes from a plastic bag), or huffing (stuffing an inhalant soaked rag into the mouth). IMMEDIATE EFFECTS Nearly all inhalants produce do similar to anesthetics, which act to slow down body functions, yet the user feels stimulated. Other effects may include Nausea loss of appetite bad breath reprize vision runny or bloody nose lack of coordination feeling and looking tired eye irritation sneezing, coughing vomiting, diarrhea headache pectus pain ringing in ears erratic heart beat LONG-TERM EFFECTS Hand tremors less concern about appearance sores/rash more or less mouth and nose fatigue, muscle fatigue weight loss electrolyte (salt) imbalance cardiac arrest permanent change to nervous system brain, liver, kidney, blood, and bone plaza damage impaired respiratory system impaired coordination and intelligence death by asphyxiation/suffocation EFFECTS ON PERSONALITY Psychological effects occur rapidly because the substance travels directly to the brain after moveing through the lungs and the left side of the heart. Other effects are Anxiety, irritability or excitability poor memory, confusion moody, restless activity lack of concentration aggressive behavior FOUR CLASSES OF INHALANTS There are about 1400 products potentially utile as inhalants. Volatile solvents gasoline, paint thinners, glue, cleaning solutions, etc. Aerosols spray paints, etc. Anesthetic agents chloroform, ether, oils and greases dissolves. Amyl, butyl, and isobutyl nitrites such as room fresheners. INHALANTS AND PREGNANCY The substances in solvents can pass through the placental barrier and enter the fetal bloodstream. However, except for evidence o f birth defects among petrol inhalers, the evidence that use of other inhalants or solvents can damage the fetus is inconclusive. All drugs have some effects on the unborn child including chromosomal and fetal damage EXTENT OF USE Young populate (ages 7-17) are more likely to use inhalants because they are available and inexpensive. Inhalants rank fourth in popularity behind alcohol, tobacco, and marijuana among young people.