Overview of Inhalants

Inhalants include a wide variety of breathable chemicals that produce mind altering results. These substances are readily available in many households and can be easily purchased. Inhalants are sometimes called deliriants, in the they may produce delirium. Delirium is usually a brief state characterized by incoherent excitement, confused speech, restlessness, and possible hallucinations. Depending on the nature of the particular Inhalant, the effects produced may be similar to those of stimulants, depressants, or hallucinogens.

Possible Effects of Inhalants

The effects of Inhalants vary from one substance to another. Common effects include:

• Inebriation similar to alcohol intoxication
• Bizarre thoughts
• Dizziness and numbness
• Euphoria and grandiosity
• Floating sensation
• Distorted perception of time and distance
• Possible hallucinations
• Antagonistic behavior
• Intense headaches
• Nausea and excessive salivation
• Drowsiness and weakness
• Lightheaded
• Sensation of spinning, moving , floating
• Distorted space perception
• Altered shapes and colors
• In general, persons under the influence of Inhalants will appear confused and disoriented. Their speech usually will be slurred.

Signs and Symptoms of Inhalant Overdose

Some Inhalants will depress the nervous system to the point where respiration ceases. Others can cause heart failure. Some Inhalant overdoses include severe nausea and vomiting, and the unconscious users may drown in his or her own vomit. Others using bags to get high may pass out then suffocate with a bag over their face. Thus there is a significant risk of death due to Inhalant abuse.

There is evidence that long term Inhalant abuse can cause permanent damage to the central nervous system, Liver damage, Kidney damage, bone and bone marrow damage, and greatly reduced mental and physical abilities.

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