Inhalants are substances that can be inhaled through the lungs that cause mind-altering effects. Some common inhalants are nitrous oxide, ether, glues, paint thinners, lighter fluid, aerosol products, gasoline, and household cleaning supplies. Inhalant products are categorized as depressant drugs, in that inhaling them causes inhibition of the central nervous system. Some immediate effects of inhalants are giddiness, euphoria, dizziness, and slurred speech.
Nitrous oxide and ether are used medically, but become dangerous when improperly used. Users could experience nausea, sensory distortions, or vomiting. It is especially dangerous to drive under the influence of nitrous oxide. Other abused inhalants are not meant to be intentionally inhaled into the body, so they are more harmful to our body. Users could experience delusions that lead to impulsive or destructive behavior, loss of consciousness, choking, or sudden death, brought on by cardiac dysrhythmia. Some specific ingredients of inhalants that are dangerous include butane, propane, acetone, benzene, hexane, toluene, and gasoline. Inhalation containing these ingredients could cause damage to the mucous membranes, risks for cancer-related disorders and anemia, muscular weakness and muscle atrophy, reduction of short-term memory, loss of hearing, difficulties of movement and coordination, spastic muscle disorders, and liver problems. The inhalation of certain solvents by pregnant women causes a risk of infant birth defects.
Inhalants are abused for the rapid feeling of intoxication and “floating euphoria” they cause. The hangover of inhalants compared to alcohol is less unpleasant, another reason for inhalant abuse. People choose inhalants to get high, because they are easily available, inexpensive, and easy to carry around and conceal. Inhalants do not have to be bought on the illegal market, so they seem to be a better means to get high than using illicit drugs.
With the exception of medical use, I do not agree with inhalant use at all. I think that the idea of inhaling chemicals into my body for any reason is senseless. The risks are too high. The effects of inhalants are only felt for around 15 minutes, so the high that users are going for is short-lived. If I was going to get high, I would want a more durable high. Inhalants seem to be a quick fix, like many other drugs. The connotation of inhalant usage is petty. I watched Intervention on T.V. one night, and the segment was on a young woman addicted to inhalants. The whole show I was thinking, “This woman is pathetic. She looks ridiculous. She is actually sucking on a computer duster can!” Inhalant use is just silly to me. I have never experienced it or been around it, so my opinion is solely based on what I have read and seen on Intervention.
