Relative Addiction Potential of Major Centrally-Active Drugs and Drug Classes -- Inhalants and Anesthetics (From Addiction Potential of Abused Drugs and Drug Classes, P 149-165, 1990, Barry Stimmel, Carlton K Erickson, et al., eds. -- See NCJ-128599)

• NCJ Number: 128607
• Author(s): T G Pollard
• Date Published: 1990
• Length: 17 pages
• Sale Source: Haworth Press, Inc
• Publication Type: Survey
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

The main three groups of substances inhaled for recreational purposes include volatile inhalants, anesthetics, and nitrites.

Abstract

This article reviews and compares the incidence and toxicity, addiction potential, and dependence potential for each of the three types of inhalants. Despite the known toxicity of these substances, their use is on the increase. While there is clearly a potential for psychological dependence, it is yet unclear whether that dependence is due to the particular substance inhaled, the act of inhalation, or the social acceptance obtained through the activity. Physical dependence can be detected through signs and symptoms of withdrawal, although these vary with the patient and the abused substance. 59 references