Immediate negative effects of inhalants include nausea, sneezing, coughing, nose-bleeds, fatigue, lack of coordination, and loss of appetite. Solvents and aerosol sprays also decrease the heart and respiratory rates, and impair judgment. Amyl and butyl nitrite cause rapid pulse, headaches, and involuntary passing of urine and feces. Long-term use may result in hepatitis or brain hemorrhage.
Deeply inhaling the vapors, or using large amounts over a short period of time, may result in disorientation, violent behavior, unconsciousness, or death. High concentrations of inhalants can cause suffocation by displacing the oxygen in the lungs or by depressing the central nervous system to the point that breathing stops.
Long-term use can cause weight loss, fatigue, electrolyte imbalance, and muscle fatigue. Repeated sniffing of concentrated vapors over time can permanently damage the nervous system.
| Type | What is it called? | What does it look like? | How is it used? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nitrous Oxide | Laughing gas Whippets | Propellant for whipped cream in aerosol spray can Small 8-gram metal cylinder sold with a balloon or pipe (buzz bomb) | Vapors inhaled |
| Amyl Nitrite | Poppers Snappers | Clear yellowish liquid in ampules | Vapors inhaled |
| Butyl Nitrite | Rush Bolt Locker room Bullet Climax | Packaged in small bottles | Vapors inhaled |
| Chlorohydrocarbons | Aerosol sprays | Aerosol paint cans Containers of cleaning fluid | Vapors inhaled |
| Hydrocarbons | Solvents | Cans of aerosol propellants, gasoline, glue, paint thinner | Vapors inhaled |
STIMULANT: COCAINE
Effects
Cocaine stimulates the central nervous system. Its immediate effects include dilated pupils and elevated blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, and body temperature. Occasional use can cause a stuffy or runny nose, while chronic use can ulcerate the mucous membrane of the nose. Injecting cocaine with unsterile equipment can cause AIDS, hepatitis, and other diseases. Preparation of freebase, which involves the use of volatile solvents, can result in death or injury from fire or explosion. Cocaine can produce psychological and physical dependency, a feeling that the user cannot function without the drug. In addition, tolerance develops rapidly.
Crack or freebase rock is extremely addictive, and its effects are felt within 10 seconds. The physical effects include dilated pupils, increased pulse rate, elevated blood pressure, insomnia, loss of appetite, tactile hallucinations, paranoia, and seizures.
The use of cocaine can cause death by disrupting the brain's control of the heart and respiration.
| Type | What is it called? | What does it look like? | How is it used? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cocaine | Coke Snow Flake White Blow Nose Candy Big C Snowbirds Lady | White crystalline powder, often diluted with other ingredients | Inhaled through nasal passages Injected Smoked |
| Crack or cocaine | Crack Freebase rocks Rock | Light brown or beige pellets—or crystalline rocks that resemble coagulated soap; often packaged in small vials | Smoked |