Series: Shining a light on drugs – Episode 7: Inhalants

The Herald recently spoke to Anthea Da Costa from Eike Park about the dangers of drug abuse.

Anthea, who visited Randfontein recently for a charity event, has been the owner of the Wings of Inspiration Sober House in Helderkruin for the past four years and has researched multiple drugs, their effects and how they negatively affect a person’s mind, body and soul.

The topic we are speaking about today are inhalants. Inhalants are known by a few other names such as poppers, whippets, laughing gas and rush.

According to Anthea, inhalants are usually chemicals that are found in household products such as aerosol sprays, cleaning fluids, glue, paint, paint thinners and nail-polish remover.

“They are usually sniffed or ‘huffed’, which is a form of inhaling,” she explained.

“Inhalants affect the brain. When substances or fumes are inhaled through the nose or mouth, they can cause mental or permanent physical damage. The fumes usually starve the brain of oxygen and that forces the heart to beat irregularly and more rapidly.

“People who use inhalants can lose their sense of smell, suffer nosebleeds and develop liver, lung and kidney problems. If the inhalants are used continuously, it will lead to reduced muscle mass, tone and strength,” Anthea warned.

According to Anthea the users eventually will be unable to walk, talk and think normally. The toxic fumes are sniffed into the sinuses and damage the brain tissue.

“In the short-term, users can suddenly react with extreme violence, or die from heart attracts or suffocation. As for the long-term effects, it leads to reduced muscle tone and strength, and it will permanently damage your brain and body.”