solvent abuse

solvent abuse  Substance abuse The recreational inhalation of chemical solvents in model glue, paint thinner, 'white-out', nail polish remover, etc for psychotropic effects Epidemiology Adolescents–up to 15% have experimented with solvents, especially from lower socioeconomic strata with less parental supervision; adolescents with Hx of SA are at ↑ risk for IV drug abuse Active ingredients Acetone, benzene, carbon tetrachloride, naphtha, toluene, xylene Clinical At low concentrations, solvents induce euphoria; at higher levels, tinnitus, diplopia, hallucinations, confusion ensue; further ↑ in serum levels are accompanied by incoordination, ataxia, slurred speech, hyperreflexia, nystagmus, unconsciousness; long term SA may cause hematopoietic–eg, aplastic anemia and liver disease–eg, hepatocellular necrosis, liver CA, renal tubule acidosis, pulmonary, and CNS dysfunction-which may cause cerebellar degeneration, cognitive impairment, dementia, distal sensory polyneuropathy, etc. See Gateway drugs, Soft drugs, White-out.