These heavy users are most at risk for brain damage. Inhalant vapors react with these fatty tissues, which by up approximately one-third of the brain, by literally dissolving them. Chronic inhalant users may lose the ability to perform everyday tasks like walking, talking and thinking, Minelli said. Inhalant use typically leads to other drug use, such as marijuana and alcohol, which are more prevalent on college campuses. The substances are widely used by youth because they can be found in every household and are inexpensive and accessible, the Parternership for a Drug Free America said.
Inhalants are also legal and easy to conceal.
Minelli attributes the elevated percentage of high school inhalant users to the time in their lives they are entering. John Evans, a fully licensed physician and medical director for Choices of Mount Pleasant, Inc. said many inhalant abusers get into the drug for the rush. It may be boredom, so they get into it to fill that hole. The body's functions will be slowed as if one took tranquilizers, sleeping pills or alcohol. Signs someone is using inhalants include red, glassy or watery eyes, slow, thick slurred speech, disorientation, general drunken appearance, complaints of headaches and nausea and chemical odor on the body or clothes.