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Substance abuse in children where to go. Children's substance abuse: causes and consequences

Substance abuse is one of the most dangerous species addiction. It has a detrimental effect on the body, but formally it is legal. Most often, adolescents suffer from this form of addiction, so the issue of treatment in this case is especially acute.

Treatment for substance abuse

Doctors are sounding the alarm: in the 21st century, substance abuse has become epidemic. Every year, hundreds of teenagers die from various deaths, whose bodies are found with bags on their heads. This is a characteristic sign of a drug addict: in order to sniff a substance, he fills a bag with it, from which he then breathes.

Legally, this type of drug addiction is not regulated. Drug addicts use psychoactive substances, the free distribution of which is not prohibited. These are gasoline, glue, solvents, acetone, less often - antihistamines, sleeping pills and some other drugs.

The age of the average drug addict is 8-15 years. If until recently, boarding schools and homeless children fell under the influence of this destructive habit, now children from prosperous families are increasingly becoming addicted.

They are driven by various reasons:

  • youth protest;
  • desire to act contrary to adults;
  • interest in something forbidden;
  • peer influence.

After a few breaths, intoxication sets in, which is accompanied by a “high” and hallucinations. In addition to the destructive effects on the body, all types of substance abuse cause a strong psychological dependence. Stoppers are neither nausea, nor difficulty breathing, nor heaviness in the head, which accompany inhalation of the substance.

Diagnostics

The main method for diagnosing substance abuse is a thorough history of the patient. Urine and blood tests are also carried out.

During the anamnesis, signs of persistent dependence on toxic inhalants are revealed:

  • The transition from inhalation of vapors in the company to abuse in solitude.
  • Dose increase.
  • Long daily inhalations.
  • Strong aggression when others try to stop inhalation.
  • Stop hiding dependencies.

The onset of substance abuse is characterized by inhalation of substances in the company, but later the patient moves on to use alone. Less often, inhalations are carried out alone from the very beginning - in such cases this is not a manifestation of persistent dependence.

An increase in tolerance is evidenced by a significant increase in the dose of the consumed substance, as well as an increase in the duration of inhalation of vapors. Inhalations can last for many hours in a row. The drug addict either sniffs the toxin, then stops, falling into semi-consciousness, then comes to his senses and continues to abuse.

With the formed addiction, a person painfully reacts to the attempts of other people to stop his inhalation. If at first in such situations he feels embarrassed, tries to run away, then later he reacts with anger and aggression.

A patient with severe addiction is no longer ashamed of his addiction and does not try to hide it. A teenager may appear in front of his parents with a characteristic smell, in clothes with drops of glue. He even begins to inhale the substance at home with relatives.

In the course of laboratory tests in the urine and blood of a drug addict, it is possible to identify toxic substances:

  • benzene;
  • toluene;
  • ethylbenzene;
  • chloroform;
  • xylene;
  • dichloromethane.

The study is carried out quantitatively. The content of these substances in biological fluids is also possible in workers of hazardous industries, therefore, a thorough history taking is carried out to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment Methods

Substance abuse treatment is carried out anonymously in a hospital setting. One of the main requirements, according to the Constitution of the Russian Federation, is its voluntariness. If the patient lacks personal motivation and desire to get rid of addiction, no doctor will undertake his treatment - this is contrary to the law. Accordingly, compulsory treatment of substance abuse is not possible.

The exception is cases when a drug addict commits illegal acts. If it is proved that the crime was committed under the influence of psychoactive substances, the court will require compulsory treatment. If the patient refuses to be placed in the clinic, he will be sent to a colony to serve a real term.

Addiction treatment should be carried out in a clinic with experienced doctors and necessary equipment. These are prerequisites for the complete recovery of the patient and the exclusion of the possibility of relapse.

The clinical pictures of substance abuse are identical, therefore, the treatment in both cases is similar. its main methods are:

  • Avoid exposure to psychoactive substances.
  • Taking drugs to restore brain functions.
  • Symptomatic therapy.
  • Psychotherapy.

After the withdrawal syndrome is removed and a stable result is achieved, the patient is discharged from the medical institution. However, later he needs long-term psychotherapy.

Adolescent drug addicts are especially difficult to treat because they develop persistent mental disorders. For them, after the elimination of the consequences of intoxication, the subtle work of a psychotherapist is necessary.

The specialist should help the child understand what negative consequences and complications threaten the continuation of inhalation. Also, rehabilitation should be aimed at increasing the general level of its development, the formation of goals in life and the disclosure of abilities to achieve them.

An important element in the rehabilitation of adolescents is the work of a psychologist with their relatives. They must morally support the patient and protect him from communication with companies in which they use psychoactive substances. Sometimes this requires a move.

Inpatient treatment of substance abuse in most cases ends with a complete cure. An unfavorable prognosis is given only for patients who do not want to be treated, or with late diagnosis. Delay in contacting a specialist can result in an extremely severe degree of intoxication of the body and death as a result of an overdose. Do not be afraid to contact the clinic, because it is possible to carry out treatment completely anonymously.

Stages

Effective treatment of substance abuse is an integrated approach using various methods.

In this case, there are 3 main stages of treatment:

  • Detoxification.
  • Correction of psychosomatic and physical condition.
  • Psychotherapy.

Detoxification

First of all, the patient needs to detoxify. The procedure includes:

  • removal of undigested poisons from the body;
  • normalization of fluid and electrolyte balance;
  • maintenance of vital functions;
  • elimination of absorbed toxins.

For detoxification, vitamins, blood substitutes, glucose solution, nootropics are used. If the patient abuses sleeping pills or sedatives, their substitutes are used for therapeutic purposes. Otherwise, the sudden withdrawal of the drug will cause an exacerbation of withdrawal.

The decrease in the dose of the substance occurs smoothly, by 10% per day. When psychosis is detected, antipsychotics are used. They are also effective in eliminating cravings for toxic substances and correcting behavioral disorders.

To stop withdrawal symptoms, medications, physiotherapy and acupuncture sessions are prescribed. However, the most important condition for detoxification is to stop taking the substances that caused the addiction.

Physical dependence is usually eliminated within a few days. Psychological can persist for years, so in the future the patient will need long-term rehabilitation.

Elimination of the consequences of poisoning

Poisonous substances used by drug addicts have a devastating effect on all organs. Therefore, after detoxification, it is the turn of symptomatic treatment.

At this stage, medications are used, which are selected depending on the identified violations.

Physiotherapy methods are widely used:

  • electrophoresis;
  • electrosleep;
  • baths with hydrogen sulfide.

These procedures restore the depleted body. For the same purpose, biophysical methods are used: reflexology, electrical stimulation, and others.

Psychotherapy

The most difficult stage of treatment is the elimination of psychological dependence. The patient is prescribed sessions of psychotherapy, during which the specialist helps him to realize the severity of the consequences of taking drugs and form a negative attitude towards them. The patient also works out behavioral reactions in dangerous situations that the psychotherapist models.

The specialist pays special attention to establishing relationships within the patient's family, because the identification of substance abuse is stressful for relatives. With the help of a psychotherapist, they learn to behave correctly with the patient, creating a comfortable environment at home that will contribute to his recovery.

During sessions of individual psychotherapy, the specialist helps the patient to create motivation for a healthy lifestyle. The patient also develops self-control skills.

Treatment at home

Self-treatment of substance abuse is ineffective. First, most of the medicines that the patient needs are available only by prescription. Secondly, substance abuse is a severe form of addiction that requires the work of a psychotherapist.

However, after achieving positive dynamics, the patient is discharged from the hospital, and from that moment rehabilitation at home is possible.

Many doctors advise brewing sedative herbs:

  • mint;
  • lemon balm;
  • valerian.

With a combination of home rehabilitation with a visit to a psychotherapist, in most cases, a full recovery occurs. However, this is a very long process, so the patient and his relatives should be patient.

substance abuse, which among the inhabitants is often considered simply an unhealthy habit, belongs to the same category of diseases as drug addiction. As a result of the use of toxic substances for the purpose of obtaining pleasure, persistent addiction and dependence develops. And the consequences of substance abuse are terrible.

Unlike drug addicts, drug addicts use non-narcotic substances, but this does not make addiction any less dangerous.

A toxic compound that causes addiction can be paint and varnish products (varnishes, paints, solvents), household and industrial chemicals, fuel mixtures, gases (butane, propane, etc.). Also, substance abuse can be caused by pharmacological products, which, not being a narcotic drug, in case of overdose, have a toxic effect on the central nervous system (drugs from the group of antihistamines, tranquilizers, anticholinergics, etc.).

Since substance abuse is widespread, and its effect on all aspects of a person's life is truly detrimental, detailed information about it can become not only useful in an abstract sense, but also save the life and health of a loved one.

Reasons for the development of substance abuse

The reasons for the involvement in substance abuse and the development of a stable addiction can be divided into several categories:

  • Personal immaturity. In the vast majority of cases, substance abuse is diagnosed in children and adolescents aged 10-16 years. In this age category, there is traditionally a desire to conform to the norms that are determined by older friends, or stronger peers. When a teenager is involved in an unfavorable environment in which tobacco smoking, the use of medicinal and toxic substances is accepted, the likelihood of developing substance abuse increases dramatically.
  • Psycho-emotional stress. Chronic or acute stress, post-traumatic shock, cardinal changes in life (divorce of parents, separation from a spouse, death of a loved one, loss of a job, moving to a new place of residence, etc.) can become an indirect cause of addiction. In this case, drugs intended to alleviate neurotic conditions or stimulate nervous system, can be taken in excess of the dosage, which gradually leads to dependence.
  • Low social/intellectual status. Children growing up in dysfunctional families with insufficient levels of education and spirituality are significantly more likely to develop substance abuse and other types of addiction.
  • Adult Example, with whom a teenager often or constantly interacts (parents, older brothers and sisters, other members of the family or society), and who abuse alcohol, drugs and toxic substances, also contributes to the development of addiction.
  • Specific personality traits. People who are prone to demonstrative and hysterical behavior, infantile, refusing to take any responsibility, more often become addicted.

Mechanisms for the development of substance abuse

The action of all substances used by drug addicts is based on the poisoning of the central nervous system. Regardless of how chemical compounds enter the body - through the respiratory system, digestive tract or the bloodstream - all of them affect the cells of the brain, causing a vivid and unusual sensation in the drug addict.

Most often, dependence on inhaled substances occurs, since the effect occurs almost instantly, and the products that cause toxic effects are not expensive and are available everywhere. So, when inhaling vapors of paint and varnish products, gasoline, solvents, glue, etc., a person experiences dizziness and tinnitus, which the drug addict himself describes as pleasant.

After that, there is a loss of spatial orientation, the so-called "feeling of soaring", and euphoria. The longest period is occupied by hallucinations that last for 10-15 minutes, after which the action of toxins begins to weaken and the person stimulates a repeated cycle of sensations by again inhaling a certain chemical substance.

Fastest psychic addiction develops- the feeling of euphoria experienced by a drug addict seems extremely attractive to him, and life outside of this feeling looks gray and gloomy. This makes it necessary to repeat the inhalation of toxic substances many times, and a stable addiction, especially in children and adolescents, can develop after 2-3 uses.

Development of physical dependence takes about 3-4 months of regular use of substances, but the exact terms vary depending on the toxicity class of the product used, the regularity of its use, the personality characteristics of a person and the characteristics of his central nervous system. With physical dependence, the body's reaction to toxins becomes less pronounced, which forces the drug addict to constantly increase the dose, and the initial frequency of substance use (1 time in 2-4 days) is no longer relevant: the need for intoxication occurs at least 1-2 times a day.

At this stage, we are talking about irreversible changes in all systems and organs, a person is rarely able to resist addiction - lesions of the central nervous system reduce the manifestations of will to almost zero, and it is impossible to do without qualified help.

Signs of substance abuse

Manifestations of substance abuse can vary greatly, as they depend on the type of chemical compounds that affect the central nervous system, the frequency of use of toxic substances and how long the abuse lasts, how much they have affected the personality and health of the person.

But if you have several of the symptoms listed below, it makes sense to consider substance abuse as one of the likely causes of these symptoms.

physical manifestations

  • inflammation and redness of the conjunctiva and lacrimation, which, over time, can transform into chronic conjunctivitis, keratoconjunctivitis, blepharitis and other diseases of the conjunctiva and the mucous membrane of the eyelids;
  • nasal discharge - frequent or constant, watery at the initial stage of substance abuse and acquiring a bloody or purulent appearance with a long course of dependence;
  • changes in appetite, which may be practically absent or take on the character of unhealthy hunger;
  • motor and vestibular disorders (staggering gait, excessively abrupt movements, abnormal gestures, hand tremors, impaired coordination of movements);
  • complaints of nausea or bouts of vomiting, which are most often observed immediately after the use of toxic substances;
  • with substance abuse with the inhalation of chemicals, a specific smell is heard from a person (gasoline, acetone, glue, etc.);
  • with a long course of substance abuse, symptoms of chronic hypoxia and impaired blood supply to tissues appear - the face becomes pronounced pallor or earthiness, thinning and hair loss and brittle nails are observed, the person looks excessively thin and emaciated.

Manifestations from the central nervous system

  • speech disorders (incoherence, blurring, "swallowing" individual syllables or words, excessively fast or, conversely, inhibited speech);
  • excitability that was previously unusual for a person, which is replaced by periods of complete apathy and drowsiness;
  • extreme degree of irritability, reaching attacks of aggression in the absence of the possibility of using a toxic substance that caused addiction;
  • decreased ability to memorize and learn, concentration of attention;
  • the appearance of hallucinations of a different nature - from olfactory to visual and auditory - which can be both pleasant and disturbing.

Personality changes

  • disregard for generally accepted rules of conduct;
  • lack of attention to one's own appearance, including non-compliance with basic requirements for personal hygiene;
  • a gradual shift in moral values ​​(family and friends are relegated to the background, “like-minded people” come to the fore - people who support and approve addiction; the significance of honor and dignity is lost; scenes of violence and cruelty begin to amuse and entertain a person, manifestations of immorality, etc.) .

These signs can help the family and friends of a drug addict identify the source of the problem and take timely action. But a medical diagnosis of substance abuse is made when the following symptoms are present:

  • dependence of a physical and mental nature (subjective improvement in the state with the use of toxic substances and withdrawal syndrome with prolonged rejection of them);
  • the need to take a toxic substance that borders on an overwhelming physical need;
  • a gradual decrease in the effect of the usual dose, which entails a desire to regularly increase the amount / volume of the consumed substance.

The main, but not the only consequence of the use of toxic substances is the formation of a stable addiction that “cuts off” a person from a full life. A drug addict exists within the framework of his own addiction, deleting family, friends, studies, work, personal relationships and everything that is the main life values ​​for a healthy person from his world.

The consequences for health are no less sad: the internal organs, being constantly exposed to toxins, gradually fail. Most often, chronic respiratory diseases, impaired renal and hepatic function, and pathological changes in the cardiovascular system develop.

But the most terrible processes occur in the brain. Chronic hypoxia and the toxic effect of chemical compounds cause the death of nerve cells, disrupt the coordination of all brain functions, which leads to dementia of varying severity.

Addiction prevention of any kind should begin before the threat of addiction is real. Given that children and adolescents are most often involved in substance abuse, preventive measures must be taken from early childhood. The basic preventive complex includes:

  • formation of correct ideas about a healthy lifestyle;
  • explaining to the child the consequences of bad habits and addictions (smoking, drinking alcoholic beverages and narcotic/toxic substances);
  • the development of a child's interest in sports, healthy family recreation, work and creative activity;
  • showing interest in all aspects of the child's life, including his circle of friends, success in school, leisure, etc .;
  • joint work of psychologists, teachers and parents to eliminate risk factors (problems in the family, difficult passage of the puberty period, contacts with people suffering from any addictions, etc.).

But the most important thing is to create a trusting and warm atmosphere in the family. This will allow the child to turn his difficulties to loved ones, and not to those who offer to solve problems with a drink of alcohol, an injection of a drug, or a few breaths of a solvent and force the teenager to take the first step on the path to self-destruction.

Treatment of substance abuse is a task that must be addressed without delay, and even a slight delay is unacceptable. Such categoricalness is due to the consequences of substance abuse, in particular, irreversible changes in the tissues of the brain, after which the restoration of its intellectual activity is impossible.

In the process of therapy, a consistent solution of several problems is used:

  • Detoxification. On an outpatient or inpatient basis (depending on the severity of the clinical case), the patient is given drugs that bind and remove toxins from the bloodstream. This allows you to alleviate the withdrawal syndrome or prevent its development, and avoid negative consequences withdrawal of toxic substances.
  • Treating Complications of Substance Abuse(violations of the functions of the liver, kidneys, respiratory organs, etc.).
  • Stabilization of the mental state. For this, a wide range of methods and means are used, including drug treatment, individual or group psychotherapy sessions.
  • Development of a negative attitude towards toxic substances in a patient. This is the most critical stage of treatment, which largely determines the likelihood of relapse.
  • Rehabilitation programs. In addition to curing physical and mental addiction, it is imperative to adapt a person to life in society, which will reduce the likelihood of addiction returning. For this, they can be used various methods, from occupational therapy to teaching the patient how to manage stress.

Of great importance for success in the treatment of substance abuse is the environment of the patient - the behavior and attitude of relatives and friends to the problems of substance abuse. Therefore, special classes can be held for family members, during which they receive information on how to determine the approach of a relapse, how to behave in this case, when to contact a specialist, etc.

Alcoholism and smoking are habitual enemies of Ukrainian society. The dangers of drinking alcohol have been known since Kievan Rus and strongly advised both young and old to avoid "honey and mash". The fact that smoking also damages health was learned relatively recently, only at the end of the 18th century. Drug addiction has become a public disease only since the late 1980s. Drug addiction, alcoholism and smoking are considered the main enemies of our society, however, while fighting this evil, we often forget that addiction is lurking around every corner, that you can “kill yourself” not only with cigarettes, alcohol and drugs. So, in the late 80s - early 90s, society was challenged by new enemy- substance abuse.

Substance abuse is an insidious enemy, and therefore it is not surprising that children and adolescents are most often its victims. Substance abuse is incredibly difficult to deal with, because a toxic substance can be absolutely anything - from glue to detergent. If the sale of cigarettes and alcohol can be restricted, and drugs banned altogether, then you will agree that no one will ban the sale of glue, gasoline, drugs, cleaning products, and so on and so forth. That is why children and adolescents, taking advantage of the vulnerability of the system, can absolutely legally become drug addicts. That is why substance abuse is so common among children and adolescents. Substance abuse is a big problem in our society. In this article, we will look at what substance abuse is, its causes and consequences.

Substance abuse does not sleep

Substance abuse among children and adolescents is not uncommon. Often parents are unaware that their child is sniffing glue or other substances that cause an effect close to being drunk or drugged. The child deliberately inhales poisonous substances, poisoning with which creates the illusion of relaxation, bliss, high. In pursuit of pleasurable sensations, many drug addicts literally poison themselves to death. For example, the death rate from substance abuse among children and adolescents is much higher than from alcohol poisoning.

Substance abuse is extremely dangerous for a child's body. Inhaled toxic substances cause irreparable harm to the body. Parents need to understand that if there is even the slightest sign that a child is a drug addict, then he must be treated. Poisons slowly but surely kill the body. However, meanwhile, death can also occur from banal suffocation: the child inhales poisonous substances with the help of a bag, falls asleep with a bag on his head and suffocates.

Today, substance abuse among children and adolescents is a mass phenomenon. If earlier substance abuse was common among the homeless, the homeless, as well as among children from low-income families, now children and adolescents from well-to-do children are also becoming drug addicts. The reason for this is the upbringing of the child. Often wealthy parents do not devote time to the child, treat him coldly, or, on the contrary, surround him with excessive guardianship. Substance abuse is a protest against parents and society as a whole. Unfortunately, however, this process often comes at the cost of life.

Signs and symptoms of substance abuse

Determining whether a child is a drug addict or not is not easy. Often only a narcologist can figure this out, who, after talking with the child, as well as after doing several tests, will quickly answer this question. Of course, a conscious parent can understand everything by indirect signs:

  • pale face and glazed eyes;
  • dilated pupils;
  • cough and persistent sore throat;
  • deterioration in the ability to adequately respond to external stimuli;
  • deterioration of intelligence and memory;
  • the presence of toxic substances (glue, solvent, gasoline, etc.);
  • strong smell of chemicals from clothes;
  • the presence of plastic bags with the smell of chemicals.

Also note that the symptoms of substance abuse depend on the type of chemical inhaled. For example, inhaling glue can cause nausea and vomiting, respiratory failure, noise in the head, and the like. It is also worth paying attention to the fact that the drug addict quickly loses weight, the face becomes puffy and acquires an unhealthy, earthy tint, and the hair and nails become thin and brittle.

Causes of substance abuse

Like any other type of addiction, substance abuse among children and adolescents occurs due to different reasons. Great importance also has the identity of the patient. So, passive and dependent children, children with obvious signs of emotional instability, children who do not receive both proper attention and upbringing from their parents are more prone to substance abuse.

Social specificity is no less important. Children and adolescents who have come out of an environment where lack of spirituality and lack of initiative flourishes, where a priori a low level of education reigns, are potential drug addicts. The environment is important: if the child has leisure, if he goes to clubs and sports clubs, if he has a goal in life, if the family has a prosperous environment, then the child most likely will not become a drug addict. Substance abuse, like any other addiction, is not only a means of self-expression, but also the easiest way to solve life's problems and escape from reality. Children and teenagers, as a rule, rebel against their parents, “hide” from scandals and squabbles of their parents, start sniffing chemical substances as a response to parental divorce, domestic violence and so on and so forth.

Of course, a child can become a drug addict under the influence of the street, and only then, having felt the beauty of hallucinations, he will sniff various substances without the help of friends. Hallucinations are pleasant and colorful, but life is complex and mundane. For this reason, not only children, but also many adults become drug addicts.

Consequences of substance abuse

The consequences of substance abuse can also be different. They depend both on the inhaled chemical and on the experience of the substance abuser. At first, the drug addict begins to suffer from muscle pain, cramps, headaches and bouts of nausea. As a result, insomnia, depression, aggression and anger appear. The drug addict becomes extremely psychologically unstable and irritable. He cannot control himself.

As the experience of a drug addict grows, the activity of all body systems begins to be disrupted. With an experience of 3-4 months, internal organs begin to collapse, cirrhosis of the liver occurs, the death of the brain and, as a result, dementia develops. If a person sniffs chemicals for 1-2 years, then he is most likely already disabled. Obviously, the fragile organism of a child and adolescent reacts to the poison even more sharply, and the whole process of mental and physical degradation passes even faster.

Treatment for substance abuse

Substance abuse is curable, but treatment must be done in a hospital. Like any other addict, the drug addict must be removed from all temptations. The body must be cleansed, disturbed somatic functions restored, mental dependence suppressed, and mental condition normalize.

The drug addict goes through a detox with glucose and diuretics, drinks vitamins to strengthen the body and drugs to fight depression.

Output

Substance abuse is a serious problem for Ukrainian society. More and more children and teenagers are deliberately becoming drug addicts, not wanting to follow the instructions of their parents or tired of the difficult situation in the family.

If your child has become a drug addict, do not waste time in vain - contact the private clinic "GROST". Our experts can help you and your child. We use the most modern and proven methods. Contact "GROST" and be healthy!

- inhalation of psychotropic substances in order to obtain drug intoxication.

For the first time substance abuse was recorded in the USA (1960) - it was reported that teenagers bring themselves to a state of drug intoxication by inhaling various gaseous substances (gasoline, solvents, varnishes, paints, etc.).
In the USSR, substance abuse began in the late 60s - first there were reports of inhalation of stain removers, then gasoline, and at the end of the 80s - one of the varieties of Moment glue.

Substance abuse, active substances

Main active substance in household chemicals are - aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons.

Gasoline substance abuse

The intoxicating effect of gasoline is due to its aromatic hydrocarbons - benzene, xylene, toluene. Use a soaked cloth in gasoline, which is brought to the face and the vapors are inhaled for 5-10 minutes. As gasoline vapors enter the lungs, irritation of the upper respiratory tract occurs (cough, perspiration), then reddening of the face and especially the sclera occurs. The pupils become dilated, the pulse is frequent, speech becomes slurred, movements are uncoordinated, the gait becomes unsteady, then euphoria sets in. If at this moment you stop inhaling gasoline vapors, then after 15-30 minutes the signs of intoxication disappear, and lethargy appears, headache, irritability. If the inhalation of gasoline vapors continues, then delirium (a mental disorder with visual hallucinations and delirium) gradually develops against the background of mild stunning. A person, as it were, disconnects from what is happening around and plunges into his hallucinations. Hallucinations are more often frightening in nature, monsters, monsters, animals, bandits, etc. are seen. Auditory hallucinations can also join, which are always thematically related to visual ones (growling of animals, threats, etc. are heard). The content of hallucinations mainly depends on previous experiences - heard stories, seen films, etc. With gasoline substance abuse, a teenager is not able to "order" the contents of hallucinations. A teenager has an ambivalent attitude towards hallucinations - interest is combined with fear (sweet horror), some teenagers compare them with experiences while watching a horror movie. Gradually, the teenager loses control over the situation even more and may rush to run or escape, fighting off imaginary nightmares. But since the inhalation of gasoline vapors at the same time stops, then consciousness partially returns, this explains the rarity dangerous actions in relation to those around you. Unlike alcohol delirium, with gasoline delirium, teenagers do not throw themselves out the windows to escape nightmares.
Gasoline substance abuse (after stopping inhalation) is characterized by prolonged headaches, severe nausea, lethargy, and apathy. There were cases when teenagers inhaled gasoline, tried to smoke, the vapors ignited, there were deaths from severe burns of the upper respiratory tract.
Euphoria in adolescents is pronounced, usually they laugh a lot. When teenagers are drug addicts in a group, the laughter of one of them can infect others. In the initial stage of intoxication, adolescents do not notice any unpleasant sensations (no headache, severe nausea and vomiting). Gradually, teenagers have visions (“caught glitches”), they are of an adventurous nature. During group substance abuse, adolescents exchange experiences and induce each other. Teenagers try to retire to a place where no one bothers them, and there they can spend hours on substance abuse. If anyone interferes with them, they tend to become embittered and show aggression.

Substance abuse with acetone

With inhalation of acetone vapors against the background of mild euphoria, disorientation in time quickly develops and hallucinations occur. The hallucinations are usually colorful and most often sexual in content. During these hallucinations, teenagers are stunned, sit with their heads down, eyes half-closed, a smile on their faces, they do not react to others, mutter indistinctly. With prolonged inhalation of acetone vapors, a coma may occur. Sometimes teenagers experience a strong fear of a coma. The strong smell from the mouth of a teenager allows you to suspect him of substance abuse. Hallucinations can last for several hours, and then are replaced by irritability, apathy, severe weakness, nausea and vomiting.

Substance abuse with nitro paint solvents

The main active ingredient is toluene. At the first inhalations, there is a disturbance of consciousness, motor excitation, a quick change from ecstasy to strong anger. With repeated inhalations, a “high” develops with a feeling of spiritual uplift and lightness in the body. The perception of the environment changes in the form of brightness of colors, a feeling of sharpening of vision and hearing, then hallucinations occur. Drug intoxication is dose-dependent and can last from a few minutes to two hours. After drug intoxication comes severe weakness, disgust for the environment, severe headache, dizziness with vomiting.

Glue substance abuse

For glue inhalation, teenagers use plastic bags, pour glue into them and pull the bags over their heads. Cases are not uncommon when, in a state of deep drug intoxication, teenagers could not pull off these bags and died from suffocation. Gradually, the bags began to simply be applied to the face and, in a state of intoxication, they dropped it, and sobering up set in.
Narcotic intoxication begins with euphoria, followed by hallucinations and depression of consciousness to the point of stunning. Hallucinations are like cartoons(they say: I watch “cartoons”) of an entertaining and funny nature. Euphoria persists throughout drug intoxication. There is poor coordination of movements, speech is always slurred. After intoxication comes weakness, severe headache, nausea and vomiting, disgust for the environment.

Substance abuse and abuse

Abuse of inhalants is more often group. The size of the group is from 2 to 15 people, all peers. A group of drug addicts is formed at the place of residence. Most people try inhalants for the first time at the age of 12-14, sometimes even earlier. Most children stop using substance abuse, but some move on to harder drugs. Among drug addicts mostly teenagers, older ones prefer other drugs. Causes of substance abuse are: curiosity, the desire to experience new sensations, the desire to keep up with peers, an abundance of free time and the inability to occupy oneself with the right thing, boredom. Dependence on inhalants develops extremely rarely, mostly teenagers switch to harder drugs. Signs of established substance abuse can be considered a transition from group substance abuse to a single inhalation of inhalant vapors, regular (during the day) inhalation of vapors. Teenagers who were caught by adults and "broke the buzz" immediately show their aggression, while they can immediately resume inhalations right in front of adults.

Consequences of substance abuse

If for several weeks and even months a person continues to inhale toxic substances, then chronic intoxication with inhalants develops. Its development is accelerated if a person inhales substances for several hours. As a result of chronic intoxication, toxic encephalopathy develops. Adolescents literally become dumb before our eyes, become inhibited, poorly oriented in the environment, and are not able to quickly make the necessary decisions. Healthy teenagers usually immediately notice their "braked" peers. Substance addicts are unable to assimilate the educational material - this is the reason that they stay for the second year and hardly complete the 9th grade. In addition, with substance abuse, internal organs are also seriously affected, tk. when inhaled, extremely toxic substances enter the body. After a month of constant substance abuse, epileptic seizures develop, which will persist even if the teenager stops inhaling substances. This is due to the fact that toxic substances lead to organic brain damage.

I learned it myself - help others! Details

Substance abuse is the abuse of chemical, less often - other drugs that are not officially recognized as narcotic. After a certain time, a person develops a very strong addiction, which leads to addiction.

Signs of substance abuse

They can be addictive, but the most common are:

  • Petrol.
  • Acetone.
  • Glue.
  • Chemical solvents.

Polytoxicomania is also quite common. This concept involves the abuse of several substances at the same time. None of them are technically drugs, but lead to a "high".

Pairs of psychoactive substances affect the body in 2 stages. At first, a person begins to stagger and speak indistinctly, his pulse quickens, his pupils dilate. After that, euphoria comes, turning into a mental disorder: hallucinations and delusions appear.

With substance abuse using gasoline, a person achieves a narcotic effect by inhaling the xylene, toluene and benzene contained in it.

The impact of acetone vapors is distinguished by the highest rate of inducing euphoria and the so-called "high", at the same time very vivid hallucinations of a sexual nature appear. However, with prolonged inhalation of toxins, the body is weakened so much that a person can fall into a coma.

In substance abuse, a bag is put on the head with glue. The result is mild euphoria and hallucinations. However, this type of addiction is dangerous because, without having time to remove the bag from the head, a person may die from asphyxia.

Inhalation of vapors of chemical solvents provokes a sharp transition between "high" and strong aggression. When euphoric, the addict is faced with the illusion of weightlessness of the body, feeling uplifted.

Visible

Regardless of the type of substance used, every drug addict goes through similar stages. This is especially true of the “exit point” from the state of drug intoxication.

After a few breaths appear characteristic symptoms that are visible to others:

  • uncontrolled salivation;
  • tearing;
  • dilated pupils;
  • dispersion;
  • cough due to sore throat;
  • weak response to external stimuli.

The “high” state lasts 10-15 minutes, after which the “exit point” begins, which can be determined by such signs as:

  • nausea;
  • vomit;
  • unquenchable thirst;
  • splitting of the head.

Some time after inhalation of substances, increased arousal develops and symptoms of a mental disorder appear. The drug addict begins to feel that all sounds leave an echo behind them.

Psychological

Substance abuse is diagnosed by doctors when a person has symptoms of persistent psychological dependence:

  • Irresistible craving for the drug.
  • Constant increase in the dose of the substance.
  • Severe withdrawal syndrome.

With established substance abuse, dependence on a substance consists in a painful desire to experience a “high” again and again. Psychic dependence in most cases occurs as a result of prolonged inhalation of toxic fumes, but sometimes a single dose of the drug is sufficient to achieve persistent addiction. This is due to the fact that substance abuse often affects adolescents who have not yet fully formed consciousness.

Strong psychological dependence is characterized by severe abstinence, which usually occurs after 3-6 months from the start of inhalation of substances.

If you deprive a drug addict of the drug he uses, by the end of the first day a number of signs will appear:

  • dull severe pain in the head;
  • hand tremor;
  • swelling;
  • dilated pupils;
  • spasms;
  • trembling of the eyelids and tongue;
  • muscle cramps;
  • strong aggression;
  • malice.

By the second day after stopping the drug, anxiety increases, the drug addict is afraid to communicate with people. His muscles are overstressed, which causes intense pain. A person has a distorted sense of his own body - it seems to him that his legs, arms and head have become very large and heavy.

After a few more days, apathy, melancholy arise, the person falls into a stupor. The drug addict lies on the bed, complains of hopelessness. This condition often ends in suicide.

If a person abuses gasoline, he develops gastrointestinal disorders with unbearable pain in the intestines and stomach, vomiting, and diarrhea. The intensity of all signs increases over 5-6 days, and then it becomes easier for a person.

Withdrawal syndrome in substance abuse lasts an average of 15 days. Mental disorders stored for 1-1.5 months.

Substance abuse is most common among teenagers. At this age, there is a desire to live independently of adults, as a result of which they begin to protest against the authority of their parents and violate prohibitions. Also, teenagers are curious about new sensations.

It is common for teenagers to get together and use substances together.

In a state of high, they give themselves away:

  • causeless laughter;
  • inappropriate behavior;
  • aggression in response to attempts to take away the substance.

In recent years, teen substance abuse has only been gaining momentum. The child's body is very susceptible to the action of psychoactive drugs, in addition, teenagers do not have the proper level of self-criticism. In addition to harm to health, substance abuse can turn into an emergency: there are times when a teenager smokes and gets a burn of the upper respiratory tract.

Symptoms of an addiction

With the formed substance abuse, a person receives a full-fledged drug intoxication. There is a defeat of the central nervous system, while hallucinations become especially vivid, most often with fantastic plots. Later, clouding of consciousness begins, unsystematic delirium develops.

In most cases, drug addicts are not direct participants, but observers in their hallucinations. Sometimes addicts realize that their experiences are artificial. They react aggressively to attempts by others to force them to stop sniffing the substance.

Having inhaled, experienced drug addicts, unlike beginners, go to a disco, to a party. After prolonged use of substances, drug addicts change their appearance: they lose a lot of weight, they develop dystrophy, their hair and nails become brittle, their skin becomes dry, and their face becomes puffy.

If the drug is discontinued, the symptoms develop in the reverse order: hallucinations fade, orientation in reality is restored.

To replace the "high" come:

  • irritability;
  • nausea with vomiting;
  • weakness;
  • dizziness;
  • hyperemia of the skin;
  • violation of the heart rhythm;
  • pupil dilation;
  • lack of coordination.

Symptoms of intoxication may last from several hours to 3 days, but the bad taste in the mouth and depressed mood remain for a long time. Sometimes problems with urination are added.