Podcast
Questions and Answers
Inhalants are substances that are typically taken through ingestion.
Inhalants are substances that are typically taken through ingestion.
False
The term 'gateway drug' is sometimes used to describe inhalants.
The term 'gateway drug' is sometimes used to describe inhalants.
True
Solvents can be used to dissolve materials that are soluble in water.
Solvents can be used to dissolve materials that are soluble in water.
False
Anaesthetics, solvents, and nitrites are the three groups of inhalants.
Anaesthetics, solvents, and nitrites are the three groups of inhalants.
Signup and view all the answers
The primary method of inhalation of inhalants is through oral consumption.
The primary method of inhalation of inhalants is through oral consumption.
Signup and view all the answers
Inhalants are the second most abused substance after alcohol.
Inhalants are the second most abused substance after alcohol.
Signup and view all the answers
Inhalants can cause effects such as euphoria, delirium, and hallucinations.
Inhalants can cause effects such as euphoria, delirium, and hallucinations.
Signup and view all the answers
A higher number of carbon atoms in a solvent results in lower lipopholicity.
A higher number of carbon atoms in a solvent results in lower lipopholicity.
Signup and view all the answers
The fatality rate linked to inhalant abuse is well documented and understood.
The fatality rate linked to inhalant abuse is well documented and understood.
Signup and view all the answers
Lipopholicity plays a crucial role in the diffusion rate of chemicals across lipid bilayer membranes.
Lipopholicity plays a crucial role in the diffusion rate of chemicals across lipid bilayer membranes.
Signup and view all the answers
Chloroform is primarily used as a cleaning agent and fire extinguisher.
Chloroform is primarily used as a cleaning agent and fire extinguisher.
Signup and view all the answers
Sudden sniffing death syndrome can result from the abuse of butane and propane.
Sudden sniffing death syndrome can result from the abuse of butane and propane.
Signup and view all the answers
Chronic abuse of toluene can damage the protective sheath around nerve fibers.
Chronic abuse of toluene can damage the protective sheath around nerve fibers.
Signup and view all the answers
Inhalants can lead to asphyxiation due to repeated displacement of oxygen in the lungs.
Inhalants can lead to asphyxiation due to repeated displacement of oxygen in the lungs.
Signup and view all the answers
Nitrites enhance sexual pleasure by constricting blood vessels.
Nitrites enhance sexual pleasure by constricting blood vessels.
Signup and view all the answers
Aromatic hydrocarbons include substances like ethylene glycol and automotive gasoline.
Aromatic hydrocarbons include substances like ethylene glycol and automotive gasoline.
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
Inhalants
- Inhalants are various substances inhaled to achieve a high.
- Inhalants are deliberately inhaled in fumes, vapors or gases.
- Common inhalants include spray paints, markers, and cleaning fluids.
- In the US, over 2.6 million children aged 12-17 use inhalants annually.
- These are considered "gateway drugs", the first psychostimulant among teenagers.
- Inhalants are the fourth most abused substance after alcohol, tobacco, and marijuana.
- The fatality linked to inhalant abuse is unknown and often attributed to other factors.
Methods of Inhalation
- Methods include sniffing/snorting, huffing, spraying aerosols, and bagging.
- Images depicting these methods are included in the materials.
Prevalence of Inhalant Use
- Over 2.6 million children aged 12-17 use inhalants in the US annually to get high.
Reasons for Teenager Inhalant Use
- Ease of access (easy to obtain)
- Low cost (cheap)
- Immediate effects (instant effect)
- Perceived safety (misconception of safety)
Types of Inhalants
- Three main groups of inhalants: solvents, anesthetics, and nitrites.
- Images of inhalant products like spray paints, etc. are present.
Solvents
- Solvents are organic chemicals with variable lipophilicity (ability to dissolve in fats, oils, lipids) and volatility (tendency to vaporize).
- They have small molecular sizes and lack charge.
- Examples include adhesives, aerosols, solvents and gases, cleaning agents.
- Specific chemicals and their uses are listed in the materials.
Solvent's Inherent Toxicity
- Toxicity depends on the number of carbon atoms, saturation (single, double, or triple bonds), configuration (straight, branched, cyclic), and presence of functional groups.
- Subtle differences in chemical structure can significantly affect toxicity.
- High number of carbon atoms corresponds with higher lipophilicity and lower volatility. Conversely, less carbon atoms leads to lower lipophilicity and higher volatility (VOC).
- Lipophilicity is the key determinant for diffusion through lipid membranes.
- Partition coefficients for solvents determine their absorption in the lungs, gastrointestinal tract, and skin.
- Specific examples of solvents and their uses are provided in the materials.
Adverse Effects of Solvent Abuse
- Sudden sniffing death syndrome where highly concentrated chemicals induce irregular heartbeat and can lead to sudden death within minutes of prolonged sniffing, particularly with butane, propane, and aerosol chemicals.
- It can also affect an otherwise healthy person from a single use.
Central Nervous System Effects
- Chronic toluene/naphthalene abuse damages protective sheaths around nerve fibers in the brain and the peripheral nervous system, resembling multiple sclerosis.
- Neurotoxicity damages parts of the brain related to cognition, movement, vision, and hearing, potentially leading to severe dementia.
Other Adverse Effects
- Asphyxiation from repeated inhalation displacing oxygen in the lungs.
- Suffocation from plastic bags placed over the head.
- Seizures and convulsions due to abnormal brain electrical discharges.
- Coma from brain shutdown of vital functions.
- Fatal injuries can occur in cases of vehicle accidents while intoxicated.
Nitrites Abuse
- Nitrites are used to enhance sexual pleasure by dilating and relaxing blood vessels.
- Immediate effects (within seconds to 5 minutes) include muscle relaxation, increased blood flow to the heart (increased heart rate and cardiac output), and quick delivery of oxygen-rich blood to the brain, producing a rush.
Nitrous Oxide
- Sometimes called "laughing gas".
- Immediate effects usually last less than a minute.
- Repeated use can extend and intensify the experience, leading to loss of motor control, a dissociative psychological state, and mild audio and visual hallucinations.
Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT)
- Provides nicotine to ease withdrawal symptoms.
- Nicotine levels reach a maximum in 1 to 4 hours, but is different from cigarettes where maximum levels are reached almost instantly.
- Does not cause a sudden nicotine boost to prevent addiction to the product.
- Dose depends on the smoker's habits but is reduced over 12 weeks.
Non-Nicotine Therapy
- Bupropion Hydrochloride (Zyban) or Wellbutrin is an antidepressant medication presumed to reduce cravings related to nicotine withdrawal affecting noradrenaline and dopamine.
- Varenicline Tartrate (Champix) targets nicotinic acetylcholine receptors to decrease cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
- Clonidine and Nortriptyline are second-line medications used in smoking cessation.
- All these require a prescription.
Cigarette Composition
- Components include tobacco, carbon monoxide, hydrogen cyanide, nitrogen oxide, ammonia, nicotine, phenol, polyaromatic hydrocarbons, tar (total particulate matter), flavors, liquid vapors, benzene, formaldehyde, acrolein, N-nitrosamines, and various non-particulate matter.
- Approximately 50 known carcinogens are identified in cigarettes, with over 4,000 chemicals in total, including heavy metals like cadmium.
Second-hand Smoke
- Also known as environmental tobacco smoke, a combination of side stream smoke (smoke from the end of a cigarette) and smoke exhaled by the smoker.
- 67% of smoke from a burning cigarette isn't inhaled, but released in the surrounding environment.
Why People Continue to Smoke
- Nicotine addiction.
- Perceived benefits (relaxation, stress relief, weight loss).
- Social influence.
- Mental health issues.
How Tobacco Affects Appearance
- Stained teeth and fingers.
- Clothing damage.
- Bloodshot eyes.
- Wrinkles.
- Bad breath.
Physical and Psychological Effects of Smoking
- Irritability, headache, anxiety, restlessness, coughing, nausea, insomnia, dizziness, and depression.
- Physical and psychological dependency.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Related Documents
Description
This quiz explores the topic of inhalant use among teenagers, focusing on the substances commonly abused, methods of inhalation, and reasons behind this behavior. Test your knowledge about the prevalence and risks associated with inhalant abuse among youth.
