Recent Patterns of Psychoactive Drug Use Among College Students: The Inhalants

Abstract

The inhalants, a diverse group of substances that change from a liquid to a gaseous state at room temperature to produce psychoactive vapors, are among the most complex, most perplexing, and sometimes the most pernicious of all mood-altering drugs used by college students. They not only pose a hazard to physical and psychological health, they also cause hundreds of sudden and unexpected deaths. This paper reviews the current trends and patterns of inhalant use, describes the history of their use and their pharmacology, and discusses their adverse effects on the human mind and body.