Inhalant Drugs And The Health Risks They Pose

If you are like most people you probably do not know anyone that has tried or uses inhalants to get high. The most common types of inhalants are spray paint, glues and solvents and nitrous oxide, commonly referred to as whip it! Below you will read some facts regarding inhalant abuse.

The use of inhalants can be traced back to the 1970's when they became very popular, especially among people in their late teens to early twenties. Today the trend has shifted and inhalants have become very popular with people in their early to mid-teens. This is generally due to the fact that not only are inhalants easier to get then other illegal drugs they are also much cheaper. Because they are so inexpensive and readily available people tend to use and abuse them more and addictions are on the rise. A scary statistic is that almost 20% of today’s teenage population has tried some sort of inhalant.

This is a frightening statistic because it is very easy to have fatal complications when using inhalants. One very common problem is people actually choking on their own vomit after using inhalants. The risks are increased when the inhalants are abused in confined spaces like a bedroom or inhaled from bags. One very scary possibility is called sniffing death syndrome, when this happens the person’s heart suddenly stops beating and they die instantly.

If you use inhalants as a recreational drug and do not become addicted you still have many health risks to worry about. Many people who have casually used inhalants are experiencing kidney and liver complications as a result of their inhalant use. Intense migraines are also another possible long term side effect.

I know most people do not consider inhalants drugs and many people think they are not as dangerous as traditional drugs, but they are. So if you are thinking about trying inhalants don't do it! And if you know someone who might be using please talk to them and make them realize the risks.