INHALANTS

Brand / Generic Names

Volatile Solvents, Aerosols, Anesthetic Gases

Street Names

Poppers, Snappers, Bolt, Bullet, Climax, Locker Room, Rush, Buzz Bombs, Whippets

Inhalants include a wide variety of breathable chemicals that produce mind-altering results. The three main categories are volatile solvents, aerosols, and anesthetic gases. Effects of inhalants vary from one substance to another. Depending on which substance is used, is to which of the below listed effects the user might experience.

bizarre thoughts

floating sensation

light-headedness

possible hallucinations

dizziness and numbness

euphoria and grandiosity

drowsiness and weakness

fear, guilt, and loneliness

altered shapes and colors

distorted space perception

nausea and excessive salivation

sensation of spinning, moving, floating

distorted perceptions of time and distance

inebriation similar to alcohol intoxication

In general, persons under the influence of inhalants will appear confused and disoriented. Their speech will usually be slurred.

There is an important distinction between the Anesthetic Gases and the other two subcategories of inhalants. The Volatile Solvents and the Aerosols usually cause elevated blood pressure. But the Anesthetic Gases usually cause blood pressure to become lower than normal. Apparently, this is due to the fact that the Anesthetic Gases restrict the pumping action of the heart, so that the heart cannot constrict as forcibly as it usually does. The result is that blood pressure drops. The pulse rate, however, usually is increased by all three subcategories of inhalants.

Inhalants' effects are felt virtually immediately. However, the duration of effects depends on the substance used. Commonly abused inhalants usually produce effects that last just a few seconds for some, and up to several hours for others. Some inhalants will depress the central nervous system to the point where respiration ceases. Others can cause heart failure. Some inhalant overdoses induce severe nausea and vomiting, and the unconscious user may drown in his or her own vomit. Thus, there is a significant risk of death due to inhalant overdose.

Long term abusers can suffer from permanent damage to the central nervous system, liver damage, bone and bone marrow damage, and greatly reduced mental and physical abilities.

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