drugs of abuse: depressants

Earn CEUs at AllCEUs.com NBCC #6261, NAADAC #599 Copyright AllCEUs 2006-2020

Glues, Solvents and Inhalants (Depressants)


Objectives

• To provide information about depressants

• To assist students in understanding consequences of depressant use

• To assist students in understanding drug interactions

• To educate students about the symptoms of toxicity, overdose and withdrawal

• To motivate students to make informed choices about depressant use


Overview

• Inhalant Information as a Glance

– Inhalant WebCast

• Inhalant Technical Information

• Video Straight Facts About Inhalants

http://www.health.org/multimedia/webcasts/w.aspx?ID=326

http://www.health.org/multimedia/webcasts/w.aspx?ID=326


DescriptionsGeneral Overview

– Glues (Airplane/model glue, rubber cement, PVC glue)

– Solvents (Paint thinner)

– Paint (liquid paper, house paint)

– Inhalants (Whippets, aerosol fumes, spray paint)

All can be “huffed” to produce a feeling of euphoria.

http://www.aafp.org/afp/20030901/869.html


Demographics

• Between 1994 and 2000, the number of new inhalant users increased more than 50 percent, from 618,000 new users in 1994 to 979,000 in 2000. These estimates were higher than a previous peak in 1978 (662,000 new users).

• In 2001, approximately 2.0 million (8.6 percent) youths aged 12 to 17 had used inhalants at some time in their lives. Although there were no observed differences in rates of inhalant use between 2000 and 2001 among youths, the proportion of persons aged 26 or older reporting inhalant use increased from 6.4 to 7.1 percent.


Effects and Symptoms of Toxicity

Effects: stimulation, loss of inhibition; headache; nausea or vomiting; slurred speech, loss of motor coordination; wheezing/unconsciousness, cramps, weight loss, muscle weakness, depression, memory impairment, damage to cardiovascular and nervous systems, sudden death


Pharmacology

Inhalants pass through the lungs and quickly enter the bloodstream, then they reach the brain in seconds. Inhalant vapors react with fatty tissue in the brain, literally dissolving them. So, chronic inhalant abusers may permanently lose the ability to walk, talk and think. Inhalants also slow down the body's reactions and distort the thinking process. The effects last only a few moments and when they wear off, the user may be irritable and depressed.


Detoxification Symptoms

• Users can develop a psychological dependence on inhalants. However, research suggests that the risk of physical dependence is relatively small. Withdrawal symptoms are usually mild, but can include depression, anxiety, loss of appetite, dizziness, tremors and nausea.


Issues in Pregnancy

• Inhalant abuse during pregnancy can cause fetal abnormalities ---Let someone else paint the nursery


Effects on Sports Performance

• ESPN Report Drugs and Sports


Rumors and Myths

Inhalants--You Try You Fry WebCast


Additional Resources

• Youths Die By Inhaling Hosuehold Substances by C. Staten (Emergency Medical Services, 1996)

• "Fry": A Study of Adolescents' Use of Embalming Fluid with Marijuana & Tobacco by W. N. Elwood, Ph.D.

• What A Gas: The Discovery of Nitrous Oxide (Part I) (History House)

• What A Gas: The Discovery of Nitrous Oxide (Part II) (History House)

http://www.emergency.com/inhalnt.htm



http://www.prc8.org/ht_special/fry.html

http://www.prc8.org/ht_special/fry.html

http://www.historyhouse.com/in_history/nitrous/

http://www.historyhouse.com/in_history/nitrous_two/


Summary

• Overview Online Reading

• Strategies for Responsible Use

– Always use inhalants in a well ventilated area

– Avoid inhaling fumes especially when pregnant

– Use extra caution when using substances with “fumes” when you are taking alcohol or depressant medication

http://www.nida.nih.gov/MOM/IN/MOMIN1.html

drugs of abuse: depressants

Health & Medicine