The Abuse of Inhalants As Addictions
Inhalants are often confused with inhalers, are used for a number of medicinal purposes and they are found to be very effective. However, regular use of these inhalants makes people get addicted to them. Inhalants, on the other hand, contain a whole lot of other chemicals that are addictive and very dangerous to the body. Abuse of inhalants has put several many households in dilemma.
Different kinds of inhalants
Inhalants are broadly of three types – volatile solvents, aerosols, nitrites and gases. These inhalants are common household chemicals that are found in the form of aerosols, paint thinners, grease removers, gasoline, dry cleaning fluids, felt tip marker fluid and even deodorant sprays. Street names for these inhalants are snappers, poppers and whippets. The chemicals present in these materials are used in different ways and they have a mind altering effect, which is what causes abuse of inhalants as addiction. For example, video head cleaners have a soothing effect on the mind and provide a very relaxing feeling.
How are the inhalants used?
Inhalants are either drunk or inhaled. A lot of people drink these inhalants just like they drink alcohol! Very soon, abuse of inhalants become addictions, and a substitute for alcohol. Doctors and addiction rehabilitation say that getting a person off these chemicals is much tougher than treating people who are addicted to conventional alcohol and drugs. The other form of usage is spraying the liquid into the nose and inhaling the vapors.
Repercussions of abuse of inhalants
One of the most profound effects of inhalants is cognitive impairment. With use, a person loses his/her cognitive capabilities and suffers neurological dysfunction. Besides health ailments, patients suffer psychological problems such as depression, anxiety and panic attacks. Social problems have also been seen in addicts.
In which age group is maximum addiction found?
The saddest part of the entire inhalant abuse scenario is that maximum percentage of addicts are children aged between 12 and 17 years of age. More specifically, the addict group consists of 20% eight graders, 16% tenth graders and 15% twelfth graders. Studies have also registered that 17 million people in America have suffered inhalant addiction at some point of time in their lives.
