Gasoline (substance of abuse)
Gasoline, a volatile and flammable solvent primarily derived from petroleum, is commonly recognized as a substance of abuse, particularly among youth. Abusers typically inhale gasoline vapors, which are absorbed through the lungs and metabolized by the liver, leading to significant pharmacological and toxicological effects. Historical data indicate that inhalant use, including gasoline, peaked among high school seniors in the 1990s, with recent figures showing a slight decline in prevalence. The inhalation of gasoline can induce euphoria, visual hallucinations, and altered consciousness, but it also poses serious risks including dizziness, impaired judgment, and aggressive behavior. Long-term abuse can result in severe neurological issues, cognitive impairments, and various physical health problems, including potential sudden death. Despite increased awareness and understanding of the effects of gasoline inhalation, the treatment and intervention strategies for those struggling with inhalant abuse remain limited, underscoring the need for effective public education and support programs.
Subject Terms
Gasoline (substance of abuse)
DEFINITION: Gasoline is a volatile, flammable solvent that abusers inhale. It is generally a mixture of hydrocarbons derived from petroleum and commonly used as fuel in internal-combustion engines. Along with other aromatics, gasoline also contains various benzene compounds.
STATUS: Legal
TRANSMISSION ROUTE: Inhalants are readily absorbed through the lungs and then relatively rapidly metabolized in the liver, whereby different cellular mechanisms lead to pharmacologic and toxicological effects. Gasoline is inhaled through the mouth and nose and into the trachea, often from a saturated cloth.
History of Use
The prevalence of lifetime inhalant use among twelfth-graders has ranged between 10.3 percent in 1976 (when first measured) and 18.0 percent at the 1990 peak. The 2024 rate of 9.9 percent has been relatively stable since 2002, although it has declined slightly. Abuse of gasoline is one of the most widespread inhalant abuses in the United States (US).
In the late 1990s, it was considered that volatile solvent abuse was among the most challenging and refractory to treat. Inhalant abuse intervention was characterized by the absence of even a rudimentary treatment model. There was no specific agent that could reverse or alleviate acute solvent intoxication, addiction, or the rare cases that present with withdrawal symptoms. Volatile substance abusers did not fit well within existing treatment regimens. The understanding of volatile solvent abuse issues has vastly expanded in the mid-2020s, although additional studies are necessary. Still, there is a better understanding of how volatile solvents affect the brain, the long-term health issues related to abuse, and an increase in data on the prevalence of abuse among specific populations. A lack of effective treatment programs and public education campaigns remains problematic.
Effects and Potential Risks
Gasoline is a depressant that acts directly on the central nervous system. The vapors from gasoline trigger visual hallucinations, changes in consciousness, euphoria, and nystagmus. The abuser experiences a subconscious state wherein they dream while being aware of their surroundings. This euphoric effect is short and compels the user to inhale again. Adverse effects include dizziness, aggressiveness, impaired judgment, weakness, and tremors.
Long-term effects manifest as neurological and cognitive abnormalities in the absence of acute toxic brain diseases, and they also include peripheral neuropathies and bone marrow damage. Chronic, heavy abuse of leaded gasoline results in an encephalopathy, cerebellar and corticospinal symptoms and signs, dementia, mental status alterations, and persistent organic psychosis. Chronic abuse can also lead to sudden death.
Bibliography
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