Long-term inhalant use can break down the protective sheath around certain nerve fibers in the brain and elsewhere in the body. This hurts the ability of nerve cells to send messages, which can cause muscle spasms and tremors or even permanent trouble with basic actions like walking, bending, and talking. These effects are similar to what happens to people with the disease multiple sclerosis.
Damage to brain cells. Inhalants also can damage brain cells by preventing them from getting enough oxygen. The effects of this condition, also known as brain hypoxia, depend on the area of the brain that gets damaged. The hippocampus, for example, is responsible for memory, so someone who repeatedly uses inhalants may be unable to learn new things or may have a hard time carrying on simple conversations.
If the cerebral cortex is damaged, it will affect a person's ability to solve complex problems and plan ahead. And, if the cerebellum is affected, it can cause a person to move slowly or be clumsy. What happens to your body when you use inhalants?
Can you overdose or die if you use inhalants? Yes, using inhalants can cause death, even after just one use , by: sudden sniffing death—heart beats quickly and irregularly, and then suddenly stops cardiac arrest asphyxiation—toxic fumes replace oxygen in the lungs so that a person stops breathing suffocation—air is blocked from entering the lungs when inhaling fumes from a plastic bag placed over the head convulsions or seizures—abnormal electrical discharges in the brain coma—the brain shuts down all but the most vital functions choking—inhaling vomit after inhalant use injuries—accidents, including driving, while intoxicated.
Are inhalants addictive? Withdrawal symptoms can include: upset stomach loss of appetite sweating problems sleeping mood changes. How many teens use inhalants? Swipe left or right to scroll. What should I do if someone I know needs help?
If you, or a friend, are in crisis and need to speak with someone now: Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at TALK they don't just talk about suicide—they cover a lot of issues and will help put you in touch with someone close by If you want to help a friend, you can: Share resources from this site, including this page. Encourage your friend to speak with a trusted adult. The mere minute-long effects that inhalants are used translates into lifelong impairments.
With the use of inhalants spanning over long periods of time, nerves may subsequently lose their coating from the toxic chemicals. Additionally, this may cause irreperable muscle spasms and frequent shaking. Brain damage caused by regular use also leaves individuals unable to retain new information or even hold a conversation with other people. Even though many of the long-term effects of using inhalants are permanent, an individual that is addicted to inhalant abuse is likely to continue use even if they are aware of the risks and damages that come with using inhalants.
Along with the long list of side effects, inhalant abuse has the potential for sudden sniffing death syndrome, in even first-time users. This happens when the brain lacks oxygen from huffing chemicals and stress hormones are released to help the body react.
Instead of helping, these stress hormones increase the heart rate until it ceases to beat, resulting in rapid death. The also body never adapts to the poisonous inhalants; consequently, this can happen to long-time inhalant abusers or first-time experimenters. Inhalants are addictive, and frequent, long-time users often report to having cravings and desires for their inhalant of choice.
Additionally, dependence is seen when individuals stop using and begin experiencing mild withdrawal symptoms. Also, studies show that those that have abused inhalants during childhood are at a higher risk for developing concurring addictions to alcohol, cigarettes, and other addictive substances.
Inhalants are a central nervous system depressant, which provides a response to dopamine receptors in the brain. And, just like illicit hard drugs seen on the street, this dopamine reaction in the brain can lead to both physical and psychological addiction. Treatments for addiction to inhalants call for medical stability and therapy. Additionally, treatment for addiction is successful in those that wish to seek help. More Drug Topics. Quick Links. About NIDA. Research Report. Inhalants Research Report How do inhalants produce their effects?
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