LOWDOWN ON GETTING HIGH ON INHALANTS

When parents or other adults think about drug addiction they may
envision pot smokers, cocaine sniffers, and methamphetamine users. But
they tend to disregard one very dangerous classification of drug -
inhalants.

Gloria Pesek of the Meth Task Force in Valley City urges parents and
others to be aware of potential inhalant use by youths. Common, legal
products - such as fingernail polish and remover, typewriter
correction fluid and gasoline - can prove lethal even for first-time
users. Inhaling the gas from helium-filled balloons is also a very
dangerous practice common among youths and adults alike to make their
voices sound like that of a cartoon character. (Photo submitted)

Inhalants are substances that are sniffed for their mind-altering
and/or behavioral effects. Commonly found in 1,400 ordinary products
containing chemical vapors, these substances include solvents,
aerosols, some anesthetics, and other chemicals. Inhalants slow the
body's functions, produce slight stimulation or feelings of
intoxication, and reduced inhibition. A high lasts between 15 minutes
and one to two hours. And a tolerance can easily develop.

Most parents are in the dark regarding the popularity and dangers of
inhalant use. But children are quickly discovering that common
household products are inexpensive to obtain, easy to hide, and the
easiest way to get high. According to national surveys, inhaling
dangerous products is becoming one of the most widespread problems in
the country. It is as popular as marijuana with young people. By the
time a student reaches the eighth grade, one in five will have used
inhalants, according to the National Inhalant Prevention Coalition.

And it's not just a problem among teen-agers. In the past 10 years,
the number of kids who use inhalants has doubled and users tend to be
between the ages of 7 and 17, but can be as young as 4. Both boys and
girls are inhalant users, and most have friends or older brothers and
sisters who use inhalants. Most do not abuse inhalants over a long
period of time - they either stop using or graduate to a drug that
provides a longer-lasting "high." Inexpensive and obtainable, a user
can get high for under $1.

Worst of all, they can experience the thrill of using inhalants in
front of adults without being detected. Right now, many parents are
probably thinking to themselves, "I'd never let my child inhale any
dangerous chemicals." But how often are children and teen-agers
witnessed sniffing such seemingly "innocent" things as felt-tip
markers, correction fluid, nail polish, gasoline, or modeling glue, or
inhaling a helium-filled balloon to make their voice sound like a
cartoon character? The latter can be "huffed" (inhaled through the
mouth) and can be dangerous because it replaces oxygen in the
bloodstream. The user can lose consciousness quickly and without
warning. The pressure of the gas can rupture the air sacs inside the
lungs and cause the user to drown in their own blood or they could die
from a cerebral gas embolism.

There are different ways for users to abuse inhalants. Huffing is
inhaling chemicals through the mouth; sniffing is through the nose;
bagging is inhaling fumes from a bag; and torch breathing or flame
throwing is placing propane or another flammable chemical in a plastic
bag, inhaling the fumes, and then igniting the exhaled fumes to cause
a flash fire.

Generally, inhalant abusers will abuse any available substance.
However, effects produced by individual inhalants vary, and some
individuals will go out of their way to obtain their favorite
inhalant. One of the most toxic substances inhaled is toluene, which
is found in such things as gasoline, paint thinners and removers, and
typewriter correction fluid.

Many inhalants may also lead to "Sudden Sniffing Death" syndrome.
Chemicals from inhalants can make the heart beat very fast and
irregularly, then suddenly stop (cardiac arrest). One reason why this
might happen is that inhalants somehow make the heart extra-sensitive
to adrenaline. (Adrenaline is a hormone that the body produces,
usually in response to fear, excitement, or surprise.) A sudden rush
of adrenaline combined with inhalants can make the heart stop
instantly. Sudden sniffing death, as it is called, is responsible for
more than half of all deaths due to inhalant abuse. And SSD can strike
the first, tenth or hundredth time a user abuses a substance.

Signs of inhalant use are:

* Violent, aggressive, and impulsive behaviors

* Exhilaration, uncontrollable laughter

* Drunken appearance, slurred speech

* Red or runny nose, nose bleeds

* Sores or rashes on nose or mouth

* Chemical odor on breath and clothes

* Blank or dazed expression

* Lack of inhibition, silliness

* Nausea or vomiting

* Hiding rags, clothes, cans, sandwich bags, empty
containers

* Paint or stain marks on the face, fingers, clothing, under
fingernails

* Constantly smelling clothing sleeves

* Sitting with pen or marker near nose

Other types of inhalant abuse involve medical anesthetic gases such as
ether or nitrous oxide (commonly called "laughing gas"). Nitrous
oxide, used in many dental offices, is the most abused of these gases
and can be found in whipped cream dispensers and products that boost
octane levels in racing cars.

Nitrites often are considered a special class of inhalants. Unlike
most other substances, which act directly on the central nervous
system, nitrites act primarily to dilate blood vessels and relax the
muscles. And while other inhalants are used to alter mood, nitrites
are used primarily as sexual enhancers. They are found in such items
as room odorizers.

If someone is suspected of using inhalants, the following is a list of
what to do:

* Remain calm and do not panic.

* Do not excite or argue with the abuser when they are under the
influence, as they can become aggressive or violent.

* If the person is unconscious or not breathing, call 911. CPR should
be administered until help arrives.

* If the person is conscious, keep him or her calm and in a
well-ventilated area.

* Excitement or stimulation can cause hallucinations or
violence.

* Activity or stress may cause heart problems which may lead to
"Sudden Sniffing Death."

* Talk with other persons present or check the area for clues to what
was used.

* Once the person is recovered, seek professional help for the
abuser.

* If use is suspected, adults should be frank but not accusatory in
discussions with youth about potential inhalant use.

Above all, parents must realize that most inhalants are not illegal
substances and are easily obtainable. These are not drugs - they are
poisons and toxins. Keep the lines of communication open and show
children by example how to improve coping skills and build self esteem.

For more information contact a healthcare professional or City-County
Health and Home Care at 845-8518.