"it’s a common sight to see street children sniffing glue from a plastic bag. Just a whiff as you pass by is enough to make you dizzy. Street children are not the only ones sniffing inhalants - it is becoming a dangerous practice among teens of all ages and across social classes."Then, information about inhalants in the United States was presented:
- 1.1 million teens admitted to using inhalants last year
- 600,000 teens start using inhalants each year
- Teens believe that using inhalants are not as dangerous as taking illegal drugs
Although the reported statistics on inhalant abuse in South Africa are low, the South African National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence believe this to be because many of the users are 'off the grid', being homeless or not willing to go to a treatment center for help.
Carry Bekker of the Stepping Stones Addiction Centre calls inhalant abuse "very prevalent amongst street children" and fairly prevalent among the lower socio-economic groups. He also explains that inhalants are mainly used by adolescents and younger.
The article continues to describe the effects of abusing inhalants:
"When the vapours are inhaled, the body becomes starved of oxygen which forces the heart to beat faster to increase blood flow to the brain. The high begins a few seconds after inhalation and can include dizziness, slurred speech, lack of co-ordination, hallucinations and delusions. The high only lasts for a few minutes and users inhale repeatedly to stay high."
In addition, the health hazards are outlined:
- Chronic use can lead to brain damage or nerve damage, damage to the heart, lungs, liver and kidneys.
- Extended use can also affect thinking, vision, hearing and movement.
- Sniffing inhalants can also lead to heart failure and death. Heart failure is caused by chemicals interfering with the heart’s regulating system, which could cause the heart to stop beating.
- High concentrations of inhalants also cause death from asphyxiation, suffocation, convulsions, seizure, coma, choking or fatal injury from accidents.
The effects of specific inhalants:
- Toulene – found in spray paint, glue, nail polish - can cause hearing loss, spinal cord or brain damage and liver and kidney failure.
- Trichloroethylene – found in correction and cleaning fluids - can cause hearing loss and liver and kidney failure.
- Hexane – found in glue and petrol - can cause limb spasm and liver and kidney failure.
- Nitrous oxide – found in whipped cream dispensers and gas cylinders - can cause limb spasm and blackouts.
- Benzene – found in petrol - can cause bone marrow damage.
The article also describes Sudden Sniffing Death Syndrom (SSDS):
"It is the most common cause of death among regular inhalant abusers. A victim may be trying it for the first time, or could be a frequent user. According to studies 22% of inhalant abusers who die of SSDS are first-time users.
SSDS happens when a user gets surprised or shocked while sniffing or huffing. This often happens when the user is caught sniffing. An exciting or scary hallucination can also trigger SSDS. When the user is surprised or shocked, a sudden flow of epinephrine (adrenaline) is released. Epinephrine helps to regulate the functions of the body such as the heart rate.
When a person is highly stimulated by fear or a confrontation, further amounts of epinephrine are released into the bloodstream to prepare the body for action. Blood pressure, heart rate and cardiac activity increases. Because of the presence of inhalants in the body, the heart muscle is more sensitive to epinephrine, and when it reaches the heart, it suffers an irregular heart beat (arrhythmia). Within seconds the user can be killed."
How can you help?
- Speak about the dangers of inhalant abuse to your child
- Be aware of products that can be abused
- Keep an eye on all potentially dangerous products in your home
- If you suspect someone is abusing inhalants, encourage the person to seek professional help
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