Sniffing glue is one form of drug addiction. It is a much cheaper alternative to narcotic substances such as amphetamines or heroin. For this reason, for many young people the path to drug addiction begins with glue sniffing, which is as dangerous as drug use. Find out how to recognize the symptoms of glue sniffing and what other effects it can cause.

Sniffing glue(Eng.glue sniffing ), which in the slang of drug addicts is referred to as "twirling", "sticking" or "freaking out" ", involves inhaling volatile chemicals inducing the desired state of intoxication. Officially, they are not included in the group of drugs, but they are equally toxic, and their inhalation may not only lead to irreversible damage to internal organs (including the brain), but also to death.

Sniffing glue - what chemicals can you inhale?

Chemical substances that induce a pleasant state of intoxication are varnishes (especially for wood), various types of paints, turpentine (used, among others, to make shoe and floor polishes), solvents (including ethyl acetate , gasoline, acetone, ether), which are included in the composition of, among others nail polish remover. Lighter fluid (i.e. butane) and methyl alcohol can also be addictive. However, the most popular among drug addicts is butaprene glue, which contains solvents such as ethylbenzene, xylene and ethyl acetate. It is cheap and easily available, and most importantly - legal, therefore not only adults and adolescents, but also children can use it without any problems.

Chemical vapors are most often inhaled through the nose or mouth directly from the container. Another method of inhaling them is to put a foil bag with glue on the head (these can also be plastic bags with the residue of adhesives, hoods, woolen caps) and inhaling its vapors. Inhalation can also be done with swabs and tampons soaked in a psychoactive substance.

Sniffing glue - symptoms. How to tell if a child is smelling glue?

Vapors of a chemical you breathe into your lungs, where it passes into the blood vessels, and then, with the bloodstream, into the brain. Then there are the quick butsshort-lived light-headedness and euphoria accompanied by light-headedness, slurred speech, ataxia and drowsiness. There may also be hallucinations or delusions. Only after about 30-50 minutes, irritability, aggression and motor hyperactivity appear. Therefore, frequent mood swings should be a signal that something disturbing is happening to the baby. In addition, parents should pay attention to other symptoms, such as:

  • red nose with pimples and ulcers and / or scaly skin,
  • frequent cough and runny nose, nosebleed;
  • conjunctivitis, photophobia, nystagmus;
  • pimples and ulcers or burns around the mouth, cracks on the lips
  • nausea, vomiting, as well as a marked increase in or worsening of appetite;
  • muscle tremors, convulsions;
Important

Why is sniffing glue addictive?

Sniffing glue is addictive both mentally and physically, which manifests itself in the necessity to take more and more doses to obtain the same effects as at the beginning of inhalation. Withdrawal causes severe withdrawal symptoms, including irritability, anxiety, depression, sleep disturbance, nausea, and muscle tremors.

Why is sniffing glue addictive? Chemical substances that are inhaled evoke a sense of pleasure that is the result of stimulating the so-called cerebral reward system. It takes part in the process of learning and cognition, but also prompts you to look for food and drink when you feel hungry or thirsty. When these needs are met, the system rewards you with a sense of pleasure. Drugs and other drugs that induce euphoria work in the same way, but usually more potent. That's why people get addicted to them.

Sniffing glue - effects

The effects of sniffing the glue depend on what agent was used, its dose, time and manner of inhalation, and interaction of other psychoactive substances (cigarettes, alcohol, drugs, drugs, legal highs). First, there may be noticeable changes in the respiratory system through which chemical vapors pass:

  • Płynotok
  • damage to the nasal septum
  • laryngitis
  • bronchospasm
  • chest pains
  • shortness of breath
  • pneumonia

In addition, sniffing glue results in cardiovascular problems such as lowered blood pressure and abnormal heart rhythms. In addition, the risk of heart attack and stroke increases. Regular inhalation of chemicals can lead to changes in the central nervous system, which symptoms include:

  • disturbance of consciousness
  • nervousness
  • insomnia
  • depression
  • panic attacks
  • suicidal thoughts

In some cases, inhalation of volatile chemicals can damage the respiratory system, leading to respiratory arrest and hypoxia, leading to death.

Category:

Psychology