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Aerosol Addiction

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 January 2018

V. P. Prasher
Affiliation:
University of Birmingham Academic Unit, Department of Mental Handicap, Monyhull Hospital, Birmingham
J. A. Corbett*
Affiliation:
University of Birmingham, Monyhull Hospital, Birmingham
*
Department of Psychiatry, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham

Abstract

A case of dependency on prescribed pressurised aerosols in a patient with asthma and mild mental handicap is reported. The majority of reported cases involve young asthmatics, abuse being reported mainly using salbutamol inhalers although other inhalers have also given cause for concern. The agent of addiction is uncertain although it may be the fluorinated hydrocarbons used as propellents, rather than the active substance itself.

Type
Brief Reports
Copyright
Copyright © The Royal College of Psychiatrists 

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