Addiction Research and Therapy

Biography

Biography: Alaaeldin A. Elkoussi

Abstract

Solvent inhalant is a term applied to a diverse group of volatile, psychoactive substances found in a number of common commercial products. Solvent inhalant abuse refers to the intentional inhalation of vapors from these products to achieve intoxication. Abusers self-administer inhalants to maintain a preferred level of intoxication. Solvent inhalants are easily available, inexpensive and not illegal; which collectively contribute to their abuse by individuals of lower socioeconomic status who cannot easily get other drugs of abuse. Yet, rates of inhalant abuse are currently increasing in other socioeconomic groups indicating an abuse epidemic. Today, inhalation of volatile substances is practiced worldwide, with a marked variability in the type and pattern of substances abused. Hence, inhalant abuse has become a particularly serious health and socioeconomic worldwide problem. in Egypt, a local glue “Kolla” is widely abused; especially among street children. In a previous study in our labs; we identified the physicochemical, neueropharmacological and some of the toxicological properties of this glue in rats. In the present study we explored more behavioral, biochemical, neuropharmacological and toxic effects of “Kolla” inhalation. Effects of inhalation on brain neurotransmitters (GABA, serotonin and dopamine) levels were studied in rats, in a trial to find out the possible mechanisms underlying these effects. In addition, we evaluated the influence of glue sniffing on liver and kidney functions and the pathological changes occurring in the brain of rats following glue inhalation. This presentation we will focus on the numerous hazards of “solvent inhalant” abuse and toxicity.