Doctor Please tell me that how can i quit inhaling petrol fumes ? I am addicted to it.

Question

Petrol contains a mixture of hydrocarbons (from crude oil) with a variety of substances added to improve its performance as a fuel. Breathing petrol vapor can cause headache, nausea, and dizziness. Extremely high levels can cause fainting and even death. There is no antidote for petrol poisoning, but its effects can be treated, and most exposed persons get well. Persons who have experienced serious symptoms may need to be hospitalized. Repeated exposure to very high levels of petrol can cause poor appetite, weakness, and even brain or kidney damage. Gasoline contains benzene and other additives that may cause future health problems after repeated, high-level exposures. Hydrocarbons in petrol depress the central nervous system and this can create a state similar to alcohol intoxication. Lead adds to the effect of intoxication. Even unleaded petrol can still contain small traces of lead. This can increase the ability of the substance to produce hallucinations. The petrol fumes enter the lungs, and from there into the bloodstream and on up to the brain. It can cause problems to mental and physical functioning. After immediate cessation you must work on building a new life, new coping skills, and better ways of dealing with stress. Without these changes you are likely to take on to some other substance abuse. You need to find healthy ways of enjoying yourself. This form of intoxication is a substitute for healthy and normal pleasures. Talk to a counselor to identify the pain deep down that you are trying to drown out. The hamartic drive (self-destructive by the addiction) is quite strong in you and needs to be addressed in therapy. You may wish to read my book on addictions. If you send me Rs. 250/-, I could mail you a copy.

Saul Pereira · Accepted Answer

Petrol contains a mixture of hydrocarbons (from crude oil) with a variety of substances added to improve its performance as a fuel. Breathing petrol vapor can cause headache, nausea, and dizziness. Extremely high levels can cause fainting and even death. There is no antidote for petrol poisoning, but its effects can be treated, and most exposed persons get well. Persons who have experienced serious symptoms may need to be hospitalized. Repeated exposure to very high levels of petrol can cause poor appetite, weakness, and even brain or kidney damage. Gasoline contains benzene and other additives that may cause future health problems after repeated, high-level exposures. Hydrocarbons in petrol depress the central nervous system and this can create a state similar to alcohol intoxication. Lead adds to the effect of intoxication. Even unleaded petrol can still contain small traces of lead. This can increase the ability of the substance to produce hallucinations. The petrol fumes enter the lungs, and from there into the bloodstream and on up to the brain. It can cause problems to mental and physical functioning. After immediate cessation you must work on building a new life, new coping skills, and better ways of dealing with stress. Without these changes you are likely to take on to some other substance abuse. You need to find healthy ways of enjoying yourself. This form of intoxication is a substitute for healthy and normal pleasures. Talk to a counselor to identify the pain deep down that you are trying to drown out. The hamartic drive (self-destructive by the addiction) is quite strong in you and needs to be addressed in therapy. You may wish to read my book on addictions. If you send me Rs. 250/-, I could mail you a copy.