Official logo for the Brain Injury Association of Queensland, dealing with traumatic brain injury, acquired brain injury, head injury, challenging behaviour and complex behaviour, assessments and accommodation for young people in residential aged care. Inhalant use or abuse also known as ‘chroming,’ ‘volatile substance use’, glue or petrol sniffing is associated with multiple health risks including Acquired Brain Injury.

* What are inhalants?
* Health Risks Associated with Chroming/Inhalant Use?
* Effect of Inhalants on the brain
* Dependency and Treatment
* What Can Parents Do?

What are inhalants?

Inhalants refer to a group of household or industrial products such as aerosols, petrol, paint, glue and other forms of solvents, which are sniffed or inhaled for the purpose of getting ‘high’. The vapors from the solvents are often sucked or inhaled from a bag or plastic bottle to be absorbed directly through the lungs and reach the brain.

Chroming or use of inhalants is a particular problem among younger age groups as it is seen as a cheap and easy way to get high. Like alcohol, inhalants are depressants and give the feeling of ‘being high’ or intoxicated.

A person may start chroming for multiple reasons. For some curiosity may trigger short term experimentation. Other may use to cope with difficult feelings or fit in with a social group. Some will grow out of the practice as they develop other interests. A few will go on to become long-term dependent inhalant users. Generally these users will have other problems in their lives and feel unable to quit even if they dislike the practice.

Often other drugs such as alcohol, cannabis or ecstasy is consumed concurrently with inhalants, multiplying the short and long term health risks.

It is important that use of inhalants be detected early to prevent serious health problems.

STATISTIC: Almost 70,000 Australians aged 14 years or older had used inhalants in the previous 12 months and about two-fifths of these used once a month or more.
(Source: 2007 National Drug Strategy Household Survey)


Health Risks Associated with Chroming/Inhalant Use
Short and long term use of inhalants can cause damage to the brain, nervous system, liver and lungs. In the immediate stage a user may feel excitement and dis-inhibition; however this is often quickly replaced with headaches, disorientation and nausea.


Short term health risks of inhalant use, include;

* agitation,
* disorientation,
* nose bleeds,
* sores around the mouth and nose,
* flu-like symptoms,
* bloodshot eyes,
* diarrhoea and reckless behaviour,
* Nausea,
* Vomiting,
* Abdominal pain,
* Stupor,
* Seizures

Long-term health risks include;

* Permanent brain damage, leading to problems with thinking, forgetfulness and irritability
* Loss of balance and coordination, potentially leading to need for a wheelchair
* anaemia
* eyesight problems
* hearing loss
* Damage to major organs including the Heart, liver, kidneys

Cleaning products, correction fluid and aerosol sprays are particularly likely to cause permanent brain damage. The risk of permanent brain damage increases with heavy and frequent use. Death from chroming can occur and is usually due to accidents, such as suffocation caused by use of plastic bags to inhale fumes, choking on vomit when unconscious, and risk taking behaviors. Hypoxic brain injury may occur when the air supply to the brain is cut off due to choking on vomit while unconscious.

Some inhalants can also indirectly cause sudden death by cardiac arrest, in a syndrome known as Sudden Sniffing Death Syndrome. The anesthetic gases present in the inhalants can sensitize the user to adrenaline. In this state a sudden surge of adrenaline (e.g., from a frightening hallucination) can cause a fatal cardiac arrhythmia.
Effect of Inhalant use on the brain

Inhalants produce a vapor that is sniffed or inhaled and absorbed directly through the lung to reach the brain. The effects are immediate; as the chemicals are easily absorbed into the brain and other organs.

As there are many types of chemicals in the products that are inhaled; the way they affect the brain can differ. Generally, these chemicals are toxic to nerve cells in the central nervous system, which consist of the brain and spinal cord. Inhalant use can cause cell death or alteration of functioning. The result is long term damage to functions of the brain; including concentration, memory, ability to plan/organise oneself and sense of balance and coordination.
Dependency and Treatment

The body will develop tolerance with regular use of inhalants. A person may develop both a psychological dependence and a physical dependence. A psychological dependence means the inhaling becomes far more important than other activities of life. Chromers will form a craving and find it very difficult to stop. Chronic abuse may result in physical dependence where the body gets used to functioning with the inhalant present. Stopping abruptly in these cases can cause withdrawal symptoms.

Withdrawal symptoms can include - anxiety, depression, loss of appetite, irritation, aggression, dizziness, tremors and nausea. In Australia there are a number of drug treatment options. The overall aim of these programs is to reduce the harm and risks related to a person’s drug use. This is known as a Harm Minimisation approach.

Treatment is more effective if tailored to suit a person’s specific situation and usually involves a combination of methods. The different options include individual counselling, group therapy, medication and supervised/home withdrawal. Early intervention is important before any permanent damage is done. Please contact your state Brain Injury Association or State Drug Service for information on treatment or appropriate referral.
What Parents Can Do

It can be difficult to detect if your child is chroming. One clue to look for is an unusual amount of glue, solvent or aerosol containers in your child’s possession. You may detect chemical smells on clothes or breath or unexpected and rapid ‘drunken’ behaviour. Sores around the nose and mouth can also be a sign of chroming.
Tips:

* If you suspect your child may be chroming it is best not to panic. If you stay calm your child is more likely to discuss the problem with you.
* Really listen to what your child says and try to understand their point of view. They may have been experimenting at this stage, so the problem has been detected early.
* Discuss with your child the risks of inhalant use.
If your child is a regular user, they need your help and support, not condemnation. You should also look at the message your lifestyle sends to your child. Your use of legal drugs such as alcohol or tobacco can influence your child’s attitudes to drugs.

Call Alcohol and Drug Services in Queensland on 07 3236 2414 or toll free 1800 177 833 for further information or advice on a specific issue. In all States, your local Brain Injury Association should be able to refer you to appropriate agencies.


Further reading

National Inhalents Information Service: http://www.inhalantsinfo.org.au/index.php

http://www.emedicine.com/ped/topic2790.htm

Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (2008) ‘2007 National Drug Strategy Household Survey: Detailed Findings.’ Retrieved from: http://www.aihw.gov.au/publications/phe/ndshs07-df/ndshs07-df.pdf