the threat of inhalants
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The Threat of Inhalants. America’s most accessible drug. What are inhalants?. “Inhalants are volatile substances that produce chemical vapors that can be inhaled to induce a psychoactive, or mind-altering effect” - PowerPoint PPT PresentationTRANSCRIPT
The Threat of InhalantsAmerica’s most accessible drug
What are inhalants?
“Inhalants are volatile substances that produce chemical vapors that can be inhaled to induce a psychoactive, or mind-altering effect”
Though other substances can be inhaled, those classified as inhalants are rarely taken through other methods (injection, smoking, etc.)
What substances are involved?
1. Volatile Solvents • Liquid at room temp.• Examples: paint
thinner, gasoline, and correction fluid
2. Aerosols• Sprays that contain
propellants• Examples: spray
paint, vegetable oil sprays for cooking, air fresheners
3. Gases• Gases used in
household products or in medical settings
• Examples: ether, nitrous oxide (whipped cream dispensers), butane lighters
4. Nitrites• Least common – are
prohibited by the Consumer Product Safety Commission
• Examples: leather cleaner, and video head cleaner
Dusting Dangers
What are the hazards?
Source: National Institutes of Health Publication Number 10-3818
Dangers of Inhalant Abuse
What are some the signs?
Chemical odors or stains on breath or clothing
Reddened, irritated eyes and rash around the mouth
Sneezing and sniffling
Hidden empty containers (such as spray paint cans)
Hidden chemical-soaked rags or clothing
Slurred speech and unsteady coordination
Nausea or loss of appetite
Headaches and dizziness
Irritability
Depression
Inattentiveness
How do I keep my child safe?
Talk to your children about drug abuse early.
Inhalants are often the easiest and first options for abuse2008 survey by the University of Michiganfound highest rates of inhalant use among school aged children appears in the 8th grade (see right).
Reports on Jenkem
Is this report true?Most now regard Jenkem as a hoax
“There have been reports that Jenkem does indeed provide a high for inhabitants of the world's poorest countries,” but is highly unlikely that we will see widespread use in the U.S. (Haines).
Parents should be aware of current drug trends, but make sure that facts are valid.
Good sources of information include:-- National Institute on Drug Abuse www.nida.nih.gov -- Partnership for a Drug Free America www.drugfree.org
SourcesNational Institutes of Health. National Institute on Drug Abuse. Publication Number 10-3818. Revised July 2010.
Haines, Lester. “Schools warned of chilling 'Strawberry Meth' menace.” The Register Online. 5 March 2008. http://www.theregister.co.uk/2008/03/05/strawberry_meth/
YouTube. FOX 19 News - "Dusting Dangers." 1 Dec. 2006. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RCTht3vQGUk&feature=related
YouTube. The Dangers of Inhalant Abuse - :60 PSA. 16 Nov. 2006. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vSWt8UMRsdY&feature=related
YouTube. Fox News Reports on Jenkem. 7 Nov. 2007 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2UsNbsjpuLc