Components of inhalant use, suicide attempts, & dating violence

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The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders group disorders related to drugs that are abused (including inhalants). Based in DSM features, illicit drugs have a marked effects on behaviors that include mental and emotional functioning, marked by distortions in sensory and perceptual experiences. Hallucinogens produce euphoria, increased sensory awareness, and a distorted sense of time. Illicit drug use has remained a major concern for the nation. Based one study, the Monitoring of the Future (MFT) illicit drug use are leading causes of morbidity and mortality, during both adolescent and adult life. The MGT study describes the rise and decline trends of substance use by youth in America. For instance, teens may experiment with drugs or alcohol or become sexually promiscuous to avoid feelings of depression. When adolescents are depressed, they have a tough time believing that their outlook can improve; they often turn to drugs. One of the most commonly used drugs teens use to get high are inhalants.

- Inhalants

Inhalant abuse refers to the intentional inhaling from commercial products or chemical or chemical agents to achieve intoxication. Products such as glue, shoe polish, gasoline, paint and lighter fluid are all among the most commonly used inhalants (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA as cited in Howard, Bowen, Garland, Perron, Vaughn, 2011). According to Thompson (2006), a little over 12% of the students surveyed had used inhalants (i.e., glue or some types of aerosols) to get high within the past year Studies on mice show that inhalant use disorder in persons who use inhalants are characterized by behavioral, cognitive and emotional problems.

Behavioral effects of inhalants

Motor deficits have occurred for inhalant users based on long-lasting brain damage. Other symptoms are produced that are similar to alcohol such as slurred speech, lethargy, and euphoria. According to Howard et al have been presented that show in 8 of 15 inhalant users 9 to 17 years of age, there were possible markers for neurological dysfunction including hearing and vision impairment. Additionally, research has linked inhalant use to diseases such as Parkinson's and encephalopathy (degradation of brain cells).

Howard et al (2010 as cited in Howard et al, 2011) report high rates of head and facial deformities, and low brain development. Shaw, ...