Drug abuse

INHALANTS

Inhalant abuse became popular with young teens in the 1960s with "glue sniffing." Since then, a broader variety of inhalants have become popular. Inhalant use typically involves younger adolescents or school-age children and occurs primarily as experimental behavior within groups of peers.

Commonly abused inhalants include model glue, spray paints, cleaning fluids, gasoline, liquid typewriter correction fluid, and aerosol propellants for deodorants or hair sprays.

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

Adverse effects associated with inhalant abuse include liver or kidney damage, convulsions, peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage), brain damage, and sudden death. Most inhalant use occurs amongst teens or preteens who do not have access to illicit drugs or alcohol.

OPIATES, OPIOIDS, AND NARCOTICS

Opiates are derived from opium poppies. These include morphine and codeine. Opioids refer to synthetically produced substances that have the same effect as morphine or codeine.

These include heroin, oxycodone, hydromorphone, meperidine, propoxyphene, and methadone. All of these substances, natural or synthetic, are considered narcotics. Used as pain-killers, these drugs produce an altered interpretation of painful stimuli, decrease anxiety, and promote sedation.

Because heroin is commonly used intravenously, the associated health concerns specific to IV drug use and sharing needles or using contaminated needles (such as hepatitis, HIV infection, and AIDS) must be considered.

STAGES OF JUVENILE DRUG USE

There are several stages of drug use. Young people seem to progress more quickly through the stages than do adults.

Experimental use -- typically involves peers, recreational use; the user may enjoy defying parents or other authority figures.
Regular use -- increased school or work absenteeism; worries about losing drug source; uses drugs to "remedy" negative feeling; begins to isolate from friends and family; may change peer group to others who are regular users; takes pride in noting increased tolerance and ability to "handle" the drug.
Daily Preoccupation -- loss of motivation; indifference toward school and work; behavior changes become evident; preoccupation with drug use supersedes all prior interests including relationships; secretive behavior; may begin dealing drugs to help support habit; use of other, harder drugs may increase; legal complications may increase.
Dependence -- cannot face daily routine without drugs; continued denial of problem; deteriorating physical condition; loss of "control" over use; may become suicidal; financial and legal complications worsen; may have severed ties with family members or friends by this time.