Inhalants

forms of inhalants

  • Volatile Solvents   * liquids that easily vaporize into a gas   * eg. butane gas fumes, gasoline, paint thinners
  • Aerosols   * substances enclosed under pressure and able to be released as a fine spray, typically by means of a propellant gas   * eg. deodorant, hair spray, vegetable oil spray
  • Gases   * substances or pieces of matters in a states in which they will expand freely to fill the whole of a container, having no fixed shape and no fixed volume   * eg. spray paint, lighter fluid, nitrous oxide
  • Nitrates   * a salt or ester of nitric acid, containing the anion NO3− or the group —NO3.   * eg. amyl, butyl, cyclohexyl nitrites

effects of inhalants

  • Belligerence   * aggressive or warlike behavior
  • Apathy   * lack of interest, enthusiasm, or concern
  • Impaired Judgement   * a medical condition that results in a person not being able to make good decisions because of an underlying medical problem, environmental factors, diet, or drugs and alcohol
  • Lethargy   * a lack of energy and enthusiasm; a pathological state of sleepiness or deep unresponsiveness and inactivity
  • Inability to coordinate movements   * a lack of coordination, especially the inability to use different parts of the body together smoothly and efficiently
legal consequences
  • Minnesota: fine of up to 1,000 and/or up to 90 days in prison

signs of inhalant abuse

  • Chemical odors on breath or clothing
  • Paint or other stains on face, hands, or clothing
  • Drunk/disoriented appearance
  • Nausea

strategies for drug (ab)use prevention in high schools

ThinkSmart Curriculum:

  1. Refusal skills
  2. Minimalizing peer use of inhalants
  3. Stopping normalization of inhalant use
  4. Knowledge of drug-related consequences
  5. Assertiveness skills
  6. Cultural identity

Minnesota inhalant treatment programs

Burkwood Treatment Center (Residential Program)

Anthony Louis Center (Residential Program)

fast facts + statistics about drug use

  • Most commonly abused drug in the Twin Cities: prescription drugs
  • What helps/hinders the success of drug treatment:?   * Helps: personalized courses/programs, residential care, support from friends and family members   * Hinders: social isolation, lack of support, peers that also abuse drugs
  • How effective is treatment?   * Average residential stay at both facilities was roughly 40 days, and although success rates are not explicitly stated, the majority of residents remain sober

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