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drug
checking questionaire
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| SOLVENTS
(INHALANTS) |
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| Substance |
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Solvents
are volatile liquid or gaseous substances inhaled to produce a high
in the user. They affect the central nervous system. They are often
found as components in industrial and domestic products and some
substances are available only at a pharmacy.
Usually
a cloth is impregnated or a bag filled with the substance and held
in front of the mouth or nose in order to breathe it in.
Some active agents are: toluene, isobutyl, acetone, nitro (e.g.
as present in adhesives and thinners), butane (propellant in lighters),
chloroethyl (wound spray, local anaesthetic), per- or trichloroethylene
(in metal cleaners and colour removers), benzine, acetone (solvent
in felt pens, hair sprays, lacquer sprays), dinitrogen oxide (laughing
gas), amyl-/butylnitrite (poppers).
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| Effects |
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When
inhaled, a brief high is experienced, which can be repeated when
the substance is breathed in again.
Immediately after use, the body displays defensive reactions such
as nausea, vomiting and headaches. Only then does the real high
occur, with euphoria, a feeling of weightlessness, altered acoustic
and visual perception, hallucinations, possible heightening of the
senses of taste and touch and/or even light narcosis.
Frequently, users will over-estimate their own capabilities.
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| Short-term side effects |
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During
or shortly after use, nose bleeds, coughing and nausea may occur.
Disorders of the cardiovascular system and the respiratory system
are possible (even including respiratory paralysis) and fits of
convulsions (e.g. laryngeal spasms) may occur, as well as confusion,
and irritation of the skin and mucous membranes.
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| Long-term side effects |
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Solvent
abuse may result in severe psychological dependence with the development
of tolerance (hours may be spent sniffing). It may result in burning
of the respiratory passages, liver and kidney damage as well as nerve
and brain damage.
There is also an increased risk of allergies emerging.
In the event of intensive long-term use, toluene vapours may result
in delirium lasting several days (disturbed consciousness).
Solvent abuse by pregnant women may result in damage to the unborn
child.
There are no known physical withdrawal symptoms. |
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| Interaction with other drugs |
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Mixing
with other substances is generally inadvisable due to the heavy stress
on the cardiovascular system. |
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| Safer use |
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People
with cardiac rhythm disorders should not sniff solvents.
Ensure that you get sufficient oxygen in between solvent use.
Do not put plastic bags over your head: danger of suffocation!
If the substance comes into contact with eyes or mucous membranes,
rinse thoroughly and consult a doctor.
Do not use inhalants alone or in dangerous places (building sites,
roofs etc.): risk of accident!
Do not sniff inhalants during pregnancy.
Take care in the presence of flammable substances or naked flame.
If inhalants are to be used as sexual stimulants, give due consideration
to safer sex.
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Some
solvents/inhalants are available only at a pharmacy. This information
is not intended to promote drug use. |
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