Inhalants are volatile substances that produce psychoactive effects when inhaled. Common inhalants include gases found in household products like aerosols and nitrates that dilate blood vessels. Inhalant use can cause both short-term effects like lack of coordination and long-term effects including paralysis or death. Inhalants are also considered gateway drugs that can lead to use of other more dangerous substances. The document describes a story of a teenage girl who was critically injured in a car accident after the driver sniffed computer cleaner, leaving her in a semi-coma.

1. Inhalants By: Aimee N.

2. Inhalants are usually quick-evaporating substances whose chemical vapors can cause mind-altering effects. What are inhalants?

4. Some street names for inhalants: Poppers, Snappers, Bolt, Bullet, Buzz Bombs, Glue (Hmm… sounds familiar) Rush, and Whippets, just to name a few.

6. First off, it can kill you. Duh! Also, inhalants can cause damage to the Central Nervous System. This means you could become paralyzed. Also, inhalants are gateway drugs, which means they lead to more dangerous drugs.

7. This story is about a teen named Jamie. On January 9, 2008, one of her friends (who was driving) was sniffing computer cleaner. There were three other people in the car. The driver hit the back end of a utility trailer hauling large equipment going 80 mph. The small Toyota Camry they were driving flipped and hit a tree. This left Jamie in a critical condition. After the surgeries needed to save her life, she was finally sent home, but still in a semi-state coma. She can blink, but cannot walk or talk. Her mom has had to give up most of her life to help Jamie recover. SNIFFING INHALANTS EFFECTS OTHERS, NOT JUST YOU

9. There are many inhalants, but most of them are found in homes. That is why they are mostly used by teens. Some inhalants found in homes are; air fresheners, markers, paint, glue, hair spray, deodorant, and shoe polish.