By: Dr. Shazia Veqar Siddiqui ( Asstt. Editor-ICN Group )
LUCKNOW: Inhalant abuse has been reported from various parts of the world. The National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), U.S. National Library of Medicine defines volatile substance abuse (VSA) as the deliberate inhalation of volatile substances in order to achieve intoxication.
Inhalants are basically chemical fumes which when inhaled produce a mind altering effect. This includes glue sniffing, inhalant abuse and solvent abuse. They are found in substances like paint thinners, paint removers, dry cleaning fluids, glues, type writer correction fluids, gasoline, adhesives, , dry cleaning agents, deodorants, hair sprays, etc .
The effects of VSA, when consumed in small doses, can rapidly lead to euphoria , light headedness and cause delusions and hallucinations, similar to those caused by alcohol. Higher doses may produce life-threatening effects such seizures and coma which eventually leads to early death from cardiac arrest or central nervous system toxicity. Chronic abuse of volatile substances can produce severe organ damage, especially in the liver, kidneys, and brain.
The effect is short lasting due to which abusers frequently seek the chemicals to prolong the high by repeated inhalations, which when done in excess can lead to loss of consciousness and death. There are multiple reasons as to why the abuse/dependence are: it is easily available at most of the stationary/ general stores, with no legal control over the sale), its quite cheap and can be easily hidden. Moreover, there is lack of awareness amongst the general public regarding the potentially hazardous intoxication properties of the inhalants.
The symptoms are red eyes, runny nose, unusual smelling breath, paint or stains on clothing or face, loss of appetite, drunk appearance, anxiety, and sores around mouth, headaches. Short term impact includes muscle weakness, abdominal pain, severe mood swings, violent behaviorbelligerence, slurred speech, numbness, tingling of hands and feet, nausea, hearing loss, depressed reflexes, stupor, loss of consciousness, limb spasms, fatigue, lack of coordination,apathy, impaired judgment, dizziness, lethargy and visual disturbance. Long term impact includes weight loss , muscle weakness , disorientation, inattentiveness, lack of coordination, irritability, depression.
Curiosity and experimentation remains the main reasons for inhalation amongst the adolescents. Peer pressure also seems to be a potent reason. Other contributing factors can be stress, cues in the environment, like visiting a neighborhood , social networks, like spending time with friends who continue to use drugs.
Increase in confidence and boldness is a much-desired effect in growing adolescents, and the abuse of inhalants reinforces the same. Management incudes medical management, individual therapy, group therapy, family therapy, 12-Step education, relapse-prevention instruction, cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, biofeedback & neurofeedback.
