In Buryatia, a schoolgirl inhaled gas from lighters for the sake of “terrifying hallucinations”

The chief doctor of the Republican Narcological Dispensary of Buryatia, Konstantin Erdyneev, published a story on his blog that should be a warning to all parents. A 12-year-old girl came to the reception with her mother, whose behavior changed dramatically: she became uncontrollable, irritable, missed school and did not study well. The woman was sure that it was in adolescence or bad company, but the real reason was worse - substance abuse.

According to Erdyneev, the girl “puffs” gas from the lighter from July 2026. At first, the canisters were bought - including through adult "friends" - and then children began to steal them in stores. The company has five peers: four girls and one boy. They all come from seemingly well-off families. They gather in the entrance, inhale gas and watch "terrifying hallucinations." "These are my fears," says the schoolgirl herself. Children often lose consciousness but wake up. We filmed each other on the phone, there is a common chat, where they posted videos. One of the mothers saw the tapes and sounded the alarm.

In addition to gas, the girl had already tried vodka - lost consciousness, could not walk, was nauseous and vomiting - and smoked with company. Now the child is hospitalized for mild intoxication and subsequent narcological and psychotherapeutic care.

Erdyneev recalled that inhalants are volatile organic substances that quickly enter the bloodstream through the lungs and then into the brain, causing a state of acute toxic intoxication within a few seconds after inhalation. Symptoms of gas use include euphoria, dizziness, tinnitus, hallucinations – often frightening, nausea and vomiting, headache, loss of consciousness, seizures, impaired coordination and confusion of speech. But the most dangerous are arrhythmia, choking and sudden cardiac arrest, known as sudden death syndrome from inhalants. Even a single inhalation can lead to death: the gas displaces oxygen from the body, which causes hypoxia, “disabling” the brain and cardiac arrest.

The consequences for the body with regular use are irreversible. Chronic intoxication with inhalants leads to toxic encephalopathy with signs of cerebral atrophy, persistent psychoorganic syndrome, reduced memory and intelligence, psychosis. Develop liver and kidney dystrophy, heart failure. Addiction is formed from the first breaths, and the risk of death from asphyxia or cardiac arrest persists even with a single use.

The head doctor asked parents, grandparents, teachers and neighbors to be careful. Abrupt changes in behavior should be alerted - aggression, secrecy, apathy, loss of money and things, theft. Disturbing signs: smell of gas, acetone or glue from clothes and hair, found lighters, canisters, bags or rags, new "friends" and strange chats on the phone, videos with hallucinations or unconsciousness.

“Even a prosperous family does not guarantee security. Talk to children without moralizing, be interested in their lives, check social networks. One alarm seen in time can save a life, Erdyneev said.

In 2021, the republic adopted a law restricting the sale of goods containing liquefied hydrocarbon gas to minors, and also tightened the punishment for involving children in “gas” substance abuse. But, as practice shows, prohibitions do not always work - the attention of adults plays a decisive role.