Substance Abuse: Inhalant Abuse

Question 1

Clinical Effect

Answer 1

Depressant of CNS

Question 2

S/S of Inhalant Use

Answer 2

Dilated Pupils, Glazed-Red-Swollen Eyes, Disorientation- LOSS OF RECENT MEMORY, Blisters around the nose, Sore Cracked Lips, Ataxia, Slurred Speech, Lightheadedness, Sniffing, BLACK STOOLS (heavy metals in inhalant products) Strange Breath Odor, Stains on clothing, Chemical Odor to Clothes, Coughing, Disinhibition, EUPHORIA-EXCITEMENT

*** When assessing the patient- assess for sores in the mouth, nose, nose bleeds, or black stools

Question 3

Substances Used- Inhalants

Answer 3

Gasoline, Paint Thinners, Hair spray, Air freshners, Dry cleaning fluid, Spot removers, Analgesic sprays, propellant gases-Whip Cream, Anesthetics, nitrates-Amyl-Butyl

Question 4

Method of Use- Inhalants

Answer 4

1. Inhaling thru nose or mouth directly from source = SNIFFING ***Example- A gas can topples over
2. Placing rags soaked in chemical over the nose and mouth- HUFFING
3. Breathing in fumes within a plastic bag over the mouth and nose -SNORTING/BAGGING = WORST!!! ***Example- Lay rag across face and closing head in bag

***Suffocation= another mode of death with inhalants- or patient can vomit and aspirate as they are in stuporous state

Question 5

Withdrawl- Inhalants

Answer 5

Sleep Disturbance, Irratibility, Tremors, Sweating, Tachycardia-Elevated BP, N/V, Delusions or Hallucinations

Question 6

Adverse Effects- inhalants

Answer 6

Respiratory Depression, Cardiac Arrythmias-(“Sudden Sniffing Death” or “Fright and Flight Death”), Asphycxiation (Child falls asleep with bag over face and dies), aspiration of vomiting, Accident or Injury, Irreversible Hepatic or renal disease, High concentration of heavy metals leads to brain atrophy

Question 7

Treatment- Inhalants

Answer 7

Tends to be short lived abuse problem. most users go on to other polysubstance abuse. Some users are as young as 8 years old.