Side Effects of Inhalant Abuse

Statistics on Inhalant Abuse

Although inhalant abuse is common and associated with harmful outcomes that may rival or exceed those of other psychoactive drugs, inhalants remain the least-studied class of psychoactive agents. According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) [2] more than 22 million Americans age 12 and older have used inhalants, and every year more than 750,000 use inhalants for the first time. Despite the substantial prevalence and serious toxicities of inhalant use, it has been termed “the forgotten epidemic.” Inhalant abuse remains the least-studied form of substance abuse  

• An estimated 9 percent of the U.S. population age 12 and older—22.5 million people—has used an inhalant for its psychoactive properties at least once.
• Inhalant use tends to start early, with 58 percent of users reporting first use by the end of ninth grade.
• Fewer students in older grades than in younger grades (15.7 percent in 9th grade, 9.9 percent in 12th grade) reported having ever used an inhalant.
• Most inhalant users initiate the behavior quite young, and most discontinue it quickly 
• White and Hispanic students reported lifetime use rates (14.4 percent) that were about twice those of African Americans.
• Important risk factors for inhalant use among middle and high school students include low levels of parental education and a lack of intention to complete 4 years of college.
• More than half of eighth graders saw the regular use of inhalants as a “great risk,” but only a third attributed the same amount of danger to using an inhalant once or twice.

Commonly Abused Inhalant Products and Their Constituents

GLUES AND ADHESIVES

• Airplane glue – Toluene, ethyl acetate
• Other glues and cements – Hexane, toluene, methyl chloride, acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, methyl butyl ketone, benzene, xylene, trichloroethylene, tetrachloroethylene, chloroform

AEROSOLS

• Spray paint Butane, propane (U.S.), fluorocarbons, toluene, hydrocarbons, xylene
• Hair spray Butane, propane (U.S.), chlorofluorocarbons
• Deodorant; air freshener Butane, propane (U.S.), chlorofluorocarbons
• Analgesic spray Chlorofluorocarbons
• Asthma spray Chlorofluorocarbons
• Fabric spray Butane, trichloroethane
• PC cleaner Dimethyl ether, hydrofluorocarbons
• Video head cleaner Ethyl chloride

Immediate Side Effects of Inhalant Abuse

Inhalants are taken into the body via the mouth or nose, by either spraying it directly into the mouth, breathing in the chemical, or placing a chemical-soaked cloth in the mouth. Most inhalants act in an alcohol-like fashion, acting as a depressant on the central nervous system (CNS).

Immediate effects of inhalants include:

Long Term Side Effects of Inhalant Abuse

Chronic inhalant abuse has been shown to have irreversible and drastic neurological and neuropsychological effects, likely due to damage of myelin and neuronal membranes by lipophilic chemicals. More concentrated in neural tissue than in blood, these chemicals found in inhalants can cause cortical atrophy and lesions visible with neuroimaging. Inhalants have been known to result in brainstem dysfunction and a variety of cognitive, motor, and sensory deficits. Signs may include irritability, tremor, ataxia, nystagmus, slurred speech, decreased visual acuity and deafness.

Inhalant abuse can cause cardiomyopathy with distinct electrocardiographic changes. Dyspnea, emphysema-like abnormalities and other pulmonary debilitations, distal renal tubular acidosis and hepatitis can be caused by inhalant abuse. Hydrocarbons can result in bone marrow toxicity (causing aplastic anemia and leukemia), while volatile nitrites have been implicated in immune impairment and the replication of HIV and Kaposi’s sarcoma, and the creation of carcinogenic nitrosamine and methemoglobin as metabolites.

Inhalant Abuse Signs

Early detection and intervention are the best ways to stop inhalant abuse before it causes serious health problems. Given that, parents, educators, family doctors, and other health care practitioners should be alert to the following addiction signs:

• Chemical odors on breath or clothing
• Paint or other stains on face, hands, or clothes
• Hidden empty spray paint or solvent containers, and chemical-soaked rags or clothing
• Drunk or disoriented appearance
• Slurred speech
• Nausea or loss of appetite
• Inattentiveness, lack of coordination, irritability, and depression

Inhalant Dependence

Inhalant users can arguably become psychologically and physiologically dependent upon inhalants over a period of longer-term use.

• Psychological dependence is often characterized by using the substance even though it has negative life consequences, as well as a feeling of being compelled to continue using inhalants to have the feelings associated with use.
• Physiological dependence occurs when users experience negative physical consequences when they stop using inhalants (such as withdrawal symptoms).

Inhalant Abuse Treatment

Underestimating the severity of Inhalants abuse can be dangerous. Misuse of the drugs can cause brain damage, liver and kidney damage, hearing loss, and death. These harmful effects can occur immediately after or while using the substance. Therefore, most individuals who suffer from Inhalant addiction need professional treatment.

Addiction treatment in an inpatient rehab center allows individuals struggling with inhalant abuse to overcome substance abuse in a safe environment, removed from any harmful triggers. In addition, a drug rehab center may provide professional care, evidence-based treatment methods, and peer support which makes all the difference in recovery success.

Because many addictions coincide with another disorder, it is vital that you find a rehab that specializes in treating co-occurring conditions.  This requires that the treatment program understands the importance of taking the time to discover if there is another disorder at hand that may be playing into a substance use disorder before treating only the substance abuse.  With a thorough investigation of an individual’s mental health condition before treatment, the individual will surely receive the most effective and comprehensive treatment for their addiction and mental health disorder.  Consequently, this only strengthens their chances of maintaining their sobriety upon leaving the rehab facility.

Detox Treatment

The first step in treatment is medical detox. It will help you navigate the complicated withdrawal process, but it doesn’t address patterns of thought and behavior that contribute to addiction. Various treatment approaches and settings can help provide the ongoing support necessary to maintain long-term sobriety after you complete detox.

Cravings are very common during detox and can be challenging to overcome. This often leads to relapse. Constant medical care provided during inpatient treatment helps prevent relapse. Clinicians can provide necessary medication and medical expertise to lessen cravings and the effects of withdrawals.

Psychotherapy

Several different modalities of psychotherapy have been used in the treatment of depression, including:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – is an effective treatment that involves making changes in both the patterns of negative thoughts and the behavioral routines which are affecting the daily life of the depressed person for various forms of depression. 
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy – is a comprehensive mental health and substance abuse treatment program whose ultimate goal is to aid patients in their efforts to build a life worth living. The main goal of DBT is to help a person develop what is referred to as a “clear mind.” 
• Person-Centered Therapy – is a strategy that allows and encourages clients to understand and resolve their concerns in a safe, supportive environment.

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