Inhalant Abuse in Adolescents

Tweens use words like huff, poppers, rush, oz, gluey and heart-on to describe inhalant abuse (IA). Most huffing occurs between the hours of 3 p.m. and 6 p.m., which is about the time that most adolescents are home alone and unsupervised.

Facts about Inhalation Abuse

1.  According to inhalant.org, over 2.1 million children aged 12-17 have used inhalants.

2.  One in five eighth graders have intentionally abused a common household product.

3.  About 17 percent of youth have tried to get high from inhaled solvents.

4.  The National Survey on Drug Use and Health states that 10 percent of US children have used inhalants.

5.  NIDA in 2005 acknowledges that 22.9 million Americans have used inhalants at least one time in their lives.

The easily obtained inhaled substances include:

1.  Aerosols such as spray paint, deodorant, computer cleaners and hair spray.

2.  Adhesives including glues and rubber cement.

3.  Solvents like paint thinner nail polish remover, gasoline and tolulene.

4.  Cleaning agents such as spot remover and cleaning fluid.

5.  Foods like cooking spray and aerosolized whipped cream.

Georgia Poison Control officials say they have seen a surge in "huffing," teens getting high by inhaling Freon, reports WSBTV.

These examples of inhalants are common but there are about 1400 household items on the inhalant menu. Children feel that these items are household friendly and nontoxic. In fact, reading this article online places the reader in front of a computer, which is probably near the computer cleaner. This cleaner is thought by many to be harmless because many think the product is compressed air in a can. Computer cleaner is actually compressed liquid. By spraying the liquid cleaner, the product becomes a gas. The propellant is actually the chemical agent. Fortunately, some manufacturers have added bittering agents to their product to deter IA.

The three ways to inhale include:

1.  Huffing - a child can soak a rag in the chemical of choice and press the rag to their mouth or place the rag in their mouth and deep breath.

2.  Snuffing - a child can snort fumes from an aerosol container or spray directly up their nose.

3.  Bagging - a child can inhale fumes that were sprayed in a bag and place the bag over their mouth or head.

Once inhaled, the intoxication will only last a few moments; therefore, children will try to prolong the high by continually inhaling the substance. Different types of inhalants can enter the brain, circulatory system and organs at different rates. Usually inhaled substances are absorbed through the lungs and enter the blood system quickly.

According to Dr. Gaylord Lopez from the Georgia Poison Center, Sniffing Death Syndrome can occur. The poisonous substance can cause cardiac problems such as rapid heartbeat or arrhythmia, which can lead to cardiac arrest. Sudden Sniffing Death Syndrome is especially associated with air conditioning coolant, butane, propane and aerosol products. Chronic users of inhalants can become addicted. These inhalant abusers can experience ulcerations in their nasal passages, anemia, fatigue, liver, kidney, neurological and brain damage.

Signs and symptoms of IA are the following:

1.  Irritability

2.  Slurred speech

3.  Paint stains on hands, hair, face and clothing

4.  Inattentiveness

5.  Rags, empty aerosol or paint containers in the child’s bedroom

6.  An odor of chemicals on the child’s breath

7.  Seizure

The Partnership for a Drug Free America states that talking to your children about drugs makes your child 36 percent less likely to abuse inhalants. Knowledge is power. This article can be a tool to start the discussion regarding inhalation abuse. If you suspect your child of IA call your Primary Care Provider. They will be able to steer you in the right direction for care. The following are some excellent websites for further information:

1.  www.Inhalant.org

2.  www.mayoclinic.com

3.  www.SAMHSA.gov