Drug abuse

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INHALANTS

Inhalant use became popular with young teens in the 1960s with "glue sniffing." Since then, a greater variety of inhalants have become popular. Inhalant use typically involves younger teens or school-age children. Groups of children will usually use inhalants as an experiment.

Commonly abused inhalants include:

• Aerosols for deodorants or hair sprays
• Cleaning fluids
• Gasoline
• Liquid typewriter correction fluid
• Model glue
• Spray paints

The chemicals are poured into a plastic bag or soaked into rags, then breathed in. The drugs are absorbed through the respiratory tract and cause an altered mental state within 5 - 15 minutes.

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Negative effects of inhalant abuse include:

• Brain damage
• Convulsions
• Liver or kidney damage
• Nerve damage (peripheral neuropathy)
• Sudden death

Most inhalant use occurs among teens or preteens who do not have ready access to illegal drugs or alcohol.

OPIATES, OPIOIDS, AND NARCOTICS

Opiates come from opium poppies. These drugs include morphine and codeine. Opioids are artificial substances that have the same effect as morphine or codeine. The term "narcotic" refers to either type of drug.

Opiates and narcotics are powerful painkillers that cause drowsiness (sedation) and sometimes, feelings of euphoria.

These drugs include:

• Codeine
• Heroin
• Hydromorphone (Dilaudid)
• Methadone
• Meperidine (Demerol)
• Opium
• Oxydodone (Percocet or Oxycontin)

Signs and symptoms of narcotic use:

• Coma, respiratory depression leading to coma, and death in high doses
• Needle marks on the skin ("tracks") if drug use is by injection
• Rapid heart rate
• Relaxed or euphoric state
• Scars from skin abscesses if drug use is by injection
• Small "pinpoint" pupils

Because heroin is commonly injected into a vein (used intravenously), there are health concerns about sharing contaminated needles among IV drug users. Complications of sharing contaminated needles include hepatitis, HIV infection, and AIDS.

CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM DEPRESSANTS

These substances produce a sedative and anxiety-reducing effect, which can lead to dependence.

These types of drugs include:

• Alcohol
• Barbiturates (amobarbital, pentobarbital, secobarbital), also called "yellow jackets"
• Benzodiazepines (Valium, Ativan, Xanax)
• Chloral hydrate
• Paraldehyde

Signs and symptoms of alcohol or other depressant use:

• Decreased attention span
• Impaired judgment
• Lack of coordination
• Slurred speech

CALL YOUR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER

• If you are concerned about the possibility of getting addicted to any prescribed medications
• If you are concerned about possible drug abuse by yourself or a family member
• If you are interested in getting more information on drug abuse
• If you are seeking treatment of drug abuse for yourself or a family member

Also seek out information and support from local 12-step support groups, such as:

• Al-anon/Alateen
• Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)
• Narcotics Anonymous (NA)

Other support groups include:

• LifeRing Recovery
• Moderation Management
• SMART Recovery

See also:

• Alcoholism - support group
• Chemical dependence - support group

Review Date: 03/18/2010
Reviewed By: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).