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4. PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY OF DEPENDENCE FOR DIFFERENT DRUG CLASSES

nervous system and are used mainly by children and adolescents due to their
ready availability (see Box 4.8). The term inhalant applies to a diverse group
of substances that can be found in products such as gasoline, nail-polish
remover, paint stripper and adhesive glue (Weir, 2001). These compounds
are intentionally sniffed either directly or from a solvent-soaked rag placed
in the person’s mouth or in a plastic bag. The volatile solvent compounds
have few characteristics in common other than their toxicity and the
behavioural effects they produce.

Behavioural effects
The intoxication induced by inhalation of solvent vapour produces some
behavioural effects similar to those due to alcohol. Minutes after inhalation
dizziness, disorientation and a short period of excitation with euphoria are
observed, followed by a feeling of light-headedness and a longer period of
depression of consciousness. In addition, marked changes in mental state
are induced in people who misuse toluene and other solvents. Most users
report elevation of mood and hallucinations. Potentially dangerous delusions
such as believing one can fly or swim also occur, thoughts are likely to be
slowed, time appears to pass more quickly, and tactile hallucinations are
common (Evans & Raistrick, 1987). These behavioural effects are
accompanied by visual disturbances, nystagmus, incoordination and
unsteady gait, slurred speech, abdominal pain and flushing of the skin.

BOX 4.8

Use of volatile solvents
The term volatile solvent use describes the intentional inhalation of a variety of
volatile substances (mostly organic solvents), for psychoactive effects. The term
inhalants has come to encompass a group of psychoactive chemicals that are
defined by the route of administration rather than by their effects on the central
nervous system. Thus, such diverse substances as toluene, ether, and nitrites
have been classified as inhalants because they are all taken in through the nose
and mouth by inhalation.
Volatile solvent use (including glue sniffing, inhalant and solvent use) has now
been reported in various parts of the world, mainly among adolescents, individuals
living in remote communities and those whose occupations provide easy access
to these substances. In certain countries volatile solvent use is associated with
particular groups of young people such as street children and children from
indigenous populations. Many products that can be used to achieve intoxication
are readily available in the home and in a range of shops.
Sources: WHO, 1999; Brouette & Anton, 2001.

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