Research Reports: Inhalant Abuse
- Letter from the Director
- What are inhalants?
- What is the scope of inhalant abuse?
- How are inhalants used?
- How do inhalants produce their effects?
- How can inhalant abuse be recognized?
- What are the short- and long-term effects of inhalant use?
- What are the other medical consequences of inhalant abuse?
- What are the unique risks associated with nitrite abuse?
- Where can I get more scientific information on inhalant abuse?
- Glossary
- References
What are the unique risks associated with nitrite abuse?
Nitrites are abused mainly by older adolescents and adults. Typically, individuals who abuse nitrites are seeking to enhance sexual function and pleasure. Research shows that abuse of these drugs in this context is associated with unsafe sexual practices that greatly increase the risk of contracting and spreading infectious diseases such as HIV/ AIDS and hepatitis.
Animal research raises the possibility that there may also be a link between abuse of nitrites and the development and progression of infectious diseases and tumors. The research indicates that inhaling nitrites depletes many cells in the immune system and impairs mechanisms that fight infectious diseases. A study found that even a relatively small number of exposures to butyl nitrite can produce dramatic increases in tumor incidence and growth rate in animals.
This page was last updated July 2010.
Research Reports
This series of reports simplifies the science of research findings for the educated lay public, legislators, educational groups, and practitioners. The series reports on research findings of national interest.
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