Drug Education Teacher Booklet

26 IMMEDIATE LONG TERM ● Increased heart rate ● Feeling light headed and dizzy ● Loss of inhibitions ● Agitation ● Loss of coordination and balance ● Irritation to the eyes, nose and throat ● Aggressive behaviour ● Slurred speech ● Headaches ● Confusion and drowsiness ● Nausea and vomiting ● Hallucinations (e.g. seeing or hearing things that aren’t really there) ● Suffocation ● Seizures ● ‘Sudden sniffing death’ syndrome (caused by heart failure that can occur within a few minutes) ● Dependence* ● Brain damage ● Tremors ● Problems breathing ● Loss of hearing and vision ● Increased risk of leukaemia from petrol sniffing ● Damage to the immune system, bones, nerves, kidney, liver, heart, and lungs WHAT ARE THEY? Inhalants, also known as volatile substances or solvents, are substances that are sniffed or breathed in through the nose and/or the mouth to give the person using the drug an immediate high. There are four main types of inhalants: ● Volatile solvents ● Aerosol sprays ● Gases ● Nitrites EFFECTS OF INHALANTS Most inhalants have an immediate effect that is usually only felt for a few minutes. People using these drugs sometimes keep on sniffing to prolong the high – in some cases this can lead to loss of consciousness, brain damage, and even death. Effects of inhalants vary, but may include: * See Glossary on page 36 INHALANTS