How to Spot Signs of Inhalant Abuse
Inhalants are common household products that are sniffed or inhaled to get high. Inhalants tend to be a drug of first use because they are so readily available. Unfortunately, these substances also tend to be toxic because they are not meant to be ingested. Air conditioning fluid, felt tip markers, glue, spray paint and typewriter correction fluid are among the most commonly used inhalants.
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Instructions
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Realize that inhalants provide an initial effect similar to alcohol intoxication. These include drowsiness, lightheadedness and the loss of inhibitions.
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Expect the effects of continued use of inhalants to include delusions or hallucinations, dizziness and impaired judgment. Prolonged use of inhalants can cause permanent brain damage and death from cardiac arrest or suffocation.
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Check for physical symptoms of inhalant abuse. Common signs include glassy or watery eyes, a disoriented appearance, loss of appetite and slurred speech and sores around the nose or mouth.
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Watch for behavioral changes to indicate inhalant abuse. These can include inattentiveness, irritability and a sudden drop in grades or job performance.
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Search for material signs of inhalant abuse. These include chemical odors on the breath or clothing, empty cigarette lighters, paint on the face or fingers, rags soaked in gas or used spray paint cans in unusual locations and missing household products. The material signs are the most significant because many of the physical symptoms do not last long.
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