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Huffing. Sniffing. Bagging. Inhalant abuse takes different
forms and is tagged with different slang descriptions, but they all come down to
the same thing: inhaling fumes, vapors or gas for the purpose of getting
high.
According to the Alliance for
Consumer Education's explanation of inhalant abuse,
"Huffing is when a chemically soaked rag is held to
the face or stuffed in the mouth and the substance is inhaled.
Sniffing can be done directly from containers, plastic bags,
clothing or rags saturated with a substance or from the product directly. With
Bagging, substances are sprayed or deposited
into a plastic or paper bag and the vapors are inhaled. This method can result
in suffocation because a bag is placed over the individual's head, cutting off
the supply of oxygen."
Dangers of Inhalants
Who is huffing what?
What Can Parents Do?
-Signs/Symptoms
-Important Links
Inhalant use is often the first experiment with illicit drugs for kids.
They may believe that it holds little danger, since they are using common
household products. But they are wrong.
Dangers
It is every bit as dangerous as alcohol or other drug use.
(Dangers of Inhalant Use) It can lead to
addiction, brain damage and death - sometimes on the very first experience.
Sudden Sniffing Death (SSD) syndrome may cause fatal heart failure. SSD
syndrome may result when a user deeply inhales a chemical for the effect of
intoxication. This causes a decrease in available oxygen in the body. If the
user becomes startled or engages in sudden physical activity, an increased flow
of adrenalin from the brain to the heart induces cardiac arrest and death occurs
within minutes.
Who is Huffing What?
Millions of older children and teens are experimenting with inhalants.
The Centers for Disease Control lists inhalants as second
only to marijuana for illicit drug use among youth. The opportunity for
abuse is huge - more than 1,400 common products have been identified as
potential substances for inhalant abuse, including correction fluid, rubber
cement, gasoline, butane, glue, marking pens, dusting spray, canned whipped
cream and cooking sprays.
Parents Taking Action
While millions of young people either experiment with inhalants or use them on a
regular basis, a majority of parents claim their children never huff - maybe
because they aren't aware of what to look for or perhaps they are overlooking
their children's behavior. Either way, their children are in eminent
danger. Parents can arm themselves and help protect their children through
education, communication and preparation.
Education includes understanding the dangers of
inhalant abuse, familiarizing themselves with the products commonly used, and
becoming aware of the signs and symptoms of
use.
Communication between parent and child about the dangers of inhalants is
vital (for specific tips on talking to children and teens about inhalant abuse,
click here.) It is also
important for parents to share information with other parents, teachers and
anyone who may be involved with young people. The more adults who are
aware of the danger posed by inhalants, the more prevention will take place in
our communities.
Preparation involves knowing how to respond if your child shows symptoms
of inhalant use.
Be aware of the specific signs and symptoms
of inhalant abuse, including:
Painting fingernails with magic markers or correction fluid
Sitting with a pen or marker by the nose
Constantly smelling clothing sleeves
Showing paint or stain marks on face, fingers or clothing
Having numerous butane lighters and refills in room, backpack or locker (when
the child does not smoke)
Hiding rags, clothes or empty containers of the potentially abused products in
closets, under the bed, in garage etc.
Drunk, dazed, or dizzy appearance
Slurred or disoriented speech
Uncoordinated physical symptoms
Red or runny eyes and nose
Spots and/or sores around the mouth
Unusual breath odor or chemical odor on clothing
Signs of paint or other products where they wouldn't
normally be, such as on face, lips, nose or fingers
Nausea and/or loss of appetite
Chronic Inhalant Abusers may exhibit symptoms such
as hallucinations, anxiety, excitability, irritability, restlessness or anger
For more information,
visit these related links:
Office of National Drug Control Policy - Inhalants Fact Sheet
National Inhalant Prevention Coalition
The Alliance for Consumer
Education
Partnership for a Drug Free America - Information on Inhalants
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