DURHAM, N.C. (BP)–Inhalants are a mixed bag of chemicals that produce mind-altering vapors. These substances are usually commercial products, never intended to be used in such a dangerous way. They may be cleaning or beauty aids, fuel products, or various varieties of glue. The containers in which they are sold usually have printed warnings against sniffing or inhaling the fumes.
Three major categories include aerosol sprays, solvents, and anesthetics. These products can serve as depressants of the central nervous system. The effects are almost immediate and usually last from 15 to 45 minutes after cessation of the inhaling process. Users feel slightly stimulated even when using a small amount. The greater the amount inhaled, the less inhibited the individual is.
Drowsiness may follow a period of inhalation, and headaches and nausea often occur. Partial amnesia and loss of consciousness may follow. The sniffing of moderate amounts can disturb vision, impair judgment, and reduce reflex and muscle control. These disturbances resulting from moderate usage are usually temporary, but some damage may be difficult to reverse or erase.
Repeated inhalation of concentrated substances can cause permanent nervous system damage, which will reduce mental and physical capacities. Long-range inhalation of certain chemicals often brings about liver, kidney, and blood damage.
Concentrated amounts of aerosol sprays, when sniffed, can cause heart failure, while non-aerosol inhalants can cause death by suffocation. The combination of inhalants and other central nervous system depressants, such as tranquilizers, barbiturates, or alcohol, greatly increase the risk of overdose. Inhaling from a bag enhances the chance for suffocation.
Recently, a concerned mother, unable to conceal her tears, anxiously approached Ted after he delivered a Sunday morning message. “You spoke with our young people prior to the worship service. I hope that you mentioned the dangers that come from the use of inhalants.”
The visiting speaker assured her that the dangers of inhalants had been discussed. In fact, he had shared with his young listeners the tragic story of an air-conditioning contractor whose son unexpectedly died as a result of huffing freon fumes. The worried mother then vocalized her own fears, “My son is only sixteen years old, and I can’t convince him to stop sniffing propane fumes to get high. I’m worried to death about him!”
Certainly too many people, especially children, are sniffing up chemicals, not understanding the measure of danger faced in the experience. We must not fail to enlighten our children about the subtle dangers of this form of drug abuse! Also, we must be alert to recognize the symptoms of abuse so that we might intervene.
Here are some signals that may indicate a child is abusing inhalants:
l. Loss of interest in personal appearance, food, or family activity.
2. Peculiar, “spaced-out” behavior.
3. Lack of coordination.
4. Altered time or distance perceptions.
5. Sores on nose or mouth.
6. Unpleasant chemical breath.
7. Increased coughing and salivation.
8. Unexplained cleaning rags in room, closet, or basement.
9. Dried paint or spray on clothes or body.
10. Empty spray cans or tubes of glue.
If you notice any of these warning signals, please do not hesitate to seek the truth. Ask your child for the answers. If you fail to gain the truth, keep asking and keep looking. Don’t wait until it’s too late!
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Stone and Barber, of Durham, N.C., are coauthors of two books on alcohol and drug abuse, “The Drug Tragedy – Hope for the One Who Hurts” and “The Drug Tragedy – Hope for the One Who Cares,” both available from LifeWay Christian Stores.
