GLUE, VAPOR PRODUCING SOLVENTS, PROPELLANTS
- Substance odor on breath and clothes.
- Runny nose.
- Watering eyes.
- Drowsiness or unconsciousness.
- Poor muscle control.
- Prefers group activity to being alone.
- Presence of bags or rags containing dry plastic cement or other solvent at home, in locker at school or at work.
- Discarded whipped cream, spray paint or similar chargers (users of nitrous oxide).
- Small bottles labeled "incense" (users of butyl nitrite).
Inhalants
Inhalants are a common substance of abuse among teenagers. Their popularity is largely a matter of availability. Inhalants, which include certain glues, aerosols, and solvents, are easily and cheaply obtained at a local hardware store. But the most common source of inhalants are the abuser's own residence. Though it is illegal to breath inhalants, it is not illegal to possess or purchase them. The abuse of inhalants can have extreme health consequences to the abuser.
Commonly abused inhalants include a few types of model cement, cooking sprays, hair spray, deodorant, liquid paper, aerosol sprays, paint, paint thinner, gasoline and solvents. Inhalants are used by spraying, or pouring the inhalant onto a rag, which is placed into a bag or sack. The abuser then places the bag or sack over their face and breaths in the vapors emitted by the inhalant. This induces a short-lived light headed euphoric state in the abuser.
The effects of inhalant abuse can include severe headaches, nausea, fainting, accelerated heart beat, and vomiting. Side effects can include damage to lungs, liver, kidneys, bone marrow, and can cause suffocation, choking, anemia, and stroke.
Last updated on 11/30/01
