Inhalants AUSTRALIAN DRUG FOUNDATION
10 HOW DRUGS AFFECT YOU
This pamphlet is part of the “How Drugs Affect You� series. It aims to provide the facts about inhalants for anyone interested in understanding more about these drugs. It has been written for the general public, including employees, employers, health professionals and their clients.
Other titles in this series include alcohol, amphetamines, analgesics, benzodiazepines, cannabis, cocaine, drugs and their effects, ecstasy, hallucinogens, heroin, ice, GHB, ketamine and tobacco.
10 HOW DRUGS AFFECT YOU
What are inhalants? Inhalants are a range of products that produce vapours which, when inhaled, may cause the person to feel intoxicated or “high”. Inhalants are a depressant drug. This means that they slow down the activity of the central nervous system and the messages going between the brain and the body. They do not necessarily make a person feel depressed. Other depressants include alcohol, cannabis, benzodiazepines and heroin.
Other names Glue, gas, sniff, huff, chroming, poppers.
What they look like Inhalants come in a variety of forms, such as aerosols, liquids or semi-solids. Some of the most common are:
»» aerosol spray cans »» chrome-based paint »» gas from lighters or barbeques (butane)
»» cleaning fluid
»» correction fluid (liquid paper)
»» paint or paint thinner »» felt-tipped pens »» glue »» petrol.
In some remote communities in Australia, standard unleaded petrol is being replaced by Opal fuel. Opal fuel does not produce a “high” when sniffed; however, it can still have serious effects on a person’s health.
Inhalants can be divided into four main groups: 1. Volatile solvents are liquids or semi-solids, such as glues. They are usually common household and industrial products such as paint thinners and removers, dry-cleaning fluids, degreasers, petrol and correction fluid. 2. Aerosols are sprays that contain propellants and solvents and include spray paints, deodorants and hairsprays, insect sprays and vegetable oils. 3. Gases include medical anaesthetics and gases used in household or commercial products such as refrigerants and fire extinguishers. 4. Nitrites such as amyl, butyl and isobutyl nitrite (together known as alkyl nitrites or poppers) are clear, yellow liquids.
How are they used? The drug is inhaled through the nose or mouth. It may be sprayed into a plastic bag, poured into a bottle or soaked onto a cloth or sleeve before being inhaled. Some drugs are also inhaled directly from the container. Sometimes they are sprayed directly into the mouth or nose. This method is very dangerous because it can cause suffocation.
Inhalants in Australia According to the National Drug Strategy Household Survey1, in 2010:
»» 3.8 per cent of Australians aged over 14 years had used inhalants at some stage in their life
»» 0.6 per cent had used them in the previous 12 months »» the average age at which Australians first tried inhalants was 19.5 years.
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) 2011 2010 National Drug Strategy Household Survey: Report, Canberra: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare.
1
Effects of inhalants The effects of any drug (including inhalants) vary from person to person. How inhalants affect a person depends on many things including their size, weight and health, also whether the person is used to taking it and whether other drugs are taken. The effects of any drug also depend on the amount taken.
Immediate effects The effects of inhalants may start to be felt immediately and can last for 45 minutes. Low to moderate doses Some of the effects that may be experienced after taking inhalants include:
See diagram Higher doses A higher dose of inhalants can increase the chances of:
»» feeling disoriented »» decreased coordination »» visual distortions »» nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea
»» headaches »» bloodshot eyes
»» increased confidence
which can lead to risky behaviour »» hallucinations »» blackout, convulsions, coma.
Sudden sniffing death “Sudden sniffing death” has followed the use of aerosol sprays, cleaning and correction fluids, and model aeroplane cement. It is believed that chemicals in these products can cause heart failure, particularly if the user is stressed or does heavy exercise after inhaling. This is very rare. Coming down As the effects of inhalants begin to wear off, a person may experience effects such as headache, nausea and dizziness. These effects can last for a number of days.
Heart » irregular heart beat » chest pain
Eyes » bloodshot » glazed eyes » blurred vision
Psychological effects » initial “rush” or “high” » feeling of wellbeing » lowered inhibitions » excited, euphoric, giggling and laughing » agitated, uneasy and aggressive » hallucinations and delusions » confusion and disorientation » impaired judgement » drowsiness
Bowel diarrhoea
Stomach nausea and vomiting
Muscle and nervous system » slurred speech » impaired coordination and muscle control (ataxia)
Mouth » unpleasant breath » slurred speech
Nose » nosebleeds » runny nose » sneezing
Brain » headaches » drowsiness
Low to moderate doses
Long-term effects People who use inhalants long-term may experience the following effects:
»» pimples around
the mouth and lips »» pale appearance »» tremors »» weight loss »» tiredness »» excessive thirst »» loss of sense of smell and hearing »» problems with blood production, which may result in problems such as anaemia, irregular heartbeat and damage to the heart muscle
»» forgetfulness and
memory impairment
»» reduced attention and
ability to think clearly and logically »» liver and kidney damage »» irritability, hostility, feeling depressed or feeling persecuted »» chest pain or angina »» indigestion »» stomach ulcers.
Most long-term effects are not permanent and can be reversed if use is stopped. However, some inhalants such as cleaning products, correction fluid, aerosol sprays and petrol can cause permanent damage, especially if people use them heavily for a long period. Some of the chemicals in inhalants may build up in the body. They can irritate the stomach and the intestines, and can cause damage to the brain, nervous system, kidneys and liver. Tolerance and dependence People who use inhalants regularly can develop dependence and tolerance to them. Tolerance means they need to take larger amounts of inhalants to get the same effect. Evidence suggests that long-term use of inhalants can lead to a psychological dependence. People who are dependent on inhalants find that using the drug becomes far more important than other activities in their life. They crave the drug and find it very difficult to stop using it. People may find they feel an urge to use them when they are in specific surroundings or socialising with friends. Withdrawal If a dependent person stops using inhalants, they may experience mild withdrawal symptoms as they get used to functioning without inhalants. Withdrawal symptoms begin 24–48 hours after stopping use and may last from 2 to 5 days.
Some of the withdrawal symptoms that may be experienced include:
»» hangover »» headache »» nausea »» pain in the stomach »» feelings of tiredness »» feeling shaky
»» tremors »» muscle cramps »» hallucinations »» visual disorders,
like seeing spots.
Inhalants and driving It is dangerous to drive after using inhalants. The effects of inhalants, such as impaired judgement and coordination, can affect driving ability. People with impaired judgement may take more risks when driving which increases the chance of an accident. The symptoms of coming down and withdrawal can also affect a person’s ability to drive safely.
Inhalants and the workplace Under occupational health and safety legislation, all employees have a responsibility to make sure they look after their own and their co-workers’ safety. The effects of inhalants such as confusion, disorientation and impaired judgement can affect a person’s ability to work safely and effectively. The symptoms of coming down and withdrawal can also affect a person’s ability to work safely and effectively.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding In general, using drugs when pregnant can increase the chances of going into labour early. This can mean that babies are born below the normal birth weight. There is also an increased risk of birth defects, seizures, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). If a mother uses inhalants while breastfeeding, the drug may be present in her breast milk. This may have an effect on the health of the baby. Check with your doctor or other health professional if you are taking or planning to take inhalants or any drugs during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
Inhalants and other drugs The chances of an overdose are increased if inhalants are taken with other depressant drugs such as alcohol, benzodiazepines or opiates. Using inhalants with other depressants can affect breathing rate and the heart and blood vessels. Mixing drugs can also increase the risk of passing out and suffocating or choking on vomit.
Inhalants and social problems All areas of a person’s life can be affected by drug use.
»» Disagreements and frustration over drug use can cause family arguments and affect personal relationships.
»» Legal and health problems can also add to the strain on personal, financial and work relationships.
Inhalants and the law Inhalant use is not a criminal offence in any Australian state or territory. In recent years, some Australian states and territories have revised police powers to intervene in inhalant use in two main ways. Police are authorised to:
»» take away inhalants and related equipment »» pick up young people engaged in inhalant use
and release them into the care of a responsible person or a place of safety.
It is also illegal in some states and territories for shop keepers to sell products to someone if they believe they are to be used for inhaling. For more information contact a legal aid service in your state or territory.
Treatment options In Australia, there are many different treatment options for drug problems. Some aim to help a person to stop using a drug, while others aim to reduce the risks and harm related to their drug use. Treatment is more effective if adapted to suit each person’s situation. Some of the different options include individual counselling, group therapy, medication (pharmacotherapy), residential therapy and supervised/ home withdrawal.
Preventing and reducing harms Many Australians take at least one psychoactive drug on a regular basis— they might take medication (i.e. overthe-counter or via a prescription), drink alcohol, smoke tobacco or use an illegal drug. All drugs have the potential to cause harm. As use increases, so does the potential for harm. Australia’s national drug policy is based on harm minimisation. Strategies to minimise harm include encouraging people to avoid using a drug through to helping people to reduce the risk of harm if they do use a drug. It aims to reduce all types of drug-related harm to both the individual and the community.
There is no safe level of drug use Use of any drug always carries some risk—even medications can produce unwanted side effects. It is important to be careful when taking any type of drug.
What to do if you are concerned about someone’s drug use If you are concerned about someone’s drug use, there is confidential help available. Contact the alcohol and drug information service in your state or territory. The telephone numbers are listed on the back of this pamphlet.
What to do in a crisis If someone overdoses or has an adverse reaction while using inhalants, it is very important that they receive professional help as soon as possible. A quick response can save their life.
»» Call an ambulance. Dial 000. Ambulance officers are not obliged to involve the police.
»» Stay with the person until the ambulance arrives.
Find out if anyone at the scene knows cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). »» Ensure that the person has adequate air by keeping crowds back and opening windows. Loosen tight clothing. »» If the person is unconscious, don’t leave them on their back—they could choke. Turn them on their side and into the recovery position. Gently tilt their head back so their tongue does not block the airway. »» If breathing has stopped, apply CPR. »» Provide the ambulance officers with as much information as you can—such as the type of inhalant taken, how long ago and any pre-existing medical conditions. For further tips on how to reduce the risks of using inhalants, call the alcohol and drug information service in your state or territory. The telephone numbers are listed on the back of this pamphlet.
For information, counselling or other assistance, contact the alcohol and other drug service in your state or territory.
ACT (02) 6207 9977
Tas. 1800 811 994
NSW (02) 9361 8000 (Sydney) 1800 422 599 (NSW)
Vic. 1300 85 85 84 (information)
NT 1800 131 350
QLD 1800 177 833 SA
1300 131 340
1800 888 236 (counselling)
WA (08) 9442 5000 (Perth) 1800 198 024 (WA)
Produced by the Australian Drug Foundation Š 2011. Celebrating more than 50 years of service to the community, the Australian Drug Foundation is Australia’s leading body committed to preventing alcohol and other drug problems in communities around the nation. www.adf.org.au For further copies of this pamphlet: Post: PO Box 818 North Melbourne Vic 3051 Street: 409 King Street West Melbourne Vic 3003 Email: druginfo@adf.org.au Web: www.druginfo.adf.org.au