Inhalant Abuse is defined as the deliberate inhalation of fumes, gases or vapors for the purpose of intoxication. Highs generally last no more than 15-35 minutes.  Users report feelings of euphoria and often risk daring feats involving violence, extreme risks, property destruction, and other behaviors indicating a loss of judgment while under the influence.

Did you know...

·         Nearly 22.3 million Americans have used inhalants at least once in their lives

·         12 year olds are more likely to try inhalants than marijuana (3x higher) or cigarettes. Most youth who try it will do so. Over 29% of eighth graders report having tried it.  In fact, 12 and 13 year olds comprise 45% of all inhalant abusers.

·         Of the persons who die from inhalant abuse, nearly 34% do so the first time they "sniff"

·         There are over 1400 products on the market that can be used as an inhalant

·         Although helium is NOT an inhalant deaths have been reported from its use due to embolisms and ruptured lungs caused by pressurized tanks.

  ·    Abusers will commonly refer to the abuse of these products as bagging, chroming, glading, or huffing. 

How will you know if your child is engaging in this behavior?  Although it is difficult to spot inhalant abuse, be sure to look for:

·         Chemical odors on clothes or breath

·         Paint stains on face & hands

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·         Oil or paint stains on backpacks

·         Red spots around nose or mouth

·         Frequent nosebleeds

·         Scarves or rags with chemical odors

·         Supplies of air filter masks

·         Missing or 'always empty' spray cans, etc

What are the effects of inhalant abuse?

·         Physical addiction

·         Salt/electrolyte imbalances

·         Damage to the liver, kidney and bone marrow (sometimes reversible)

·         Severe headaches

·         Breathing problems

·         Weight loss

·         Nausea

·         Seizures and tremors

·         Brain damage: diffuse cerebral, 

brainstem atrophy

·         Nystagmus: the rapid, involuntary oscillation of the eyeballs

·         Deterioration of the myelin sheath

·         Loss or dulling of the senses, including: vision problems, loss of hearing, sense of smell

·         Slowed and slurred speech

·         Muscle coordination impairment, unsteadiness of gait

·         **Sudden Sniffing Death** - an unshockable, irreversible rhythm that is fatal.  This is unpredictable and can happen any time a person abuses inhalants.  Sometimes it is associated with the user becoming upset or panicked. Therefore, it is very important to stay calm if you suspect your child is under the influence.

Key Messages for children: Inhalants are poisons, toxins, pollutants and fire hazards.

·         Products are designed for a specific purpose

·         Follow directions on the label

·         Dangerous when used in unintended ways

·         They contain poisons, toxic chemicals and gases

·         They pollute

·         They were never intended to go inside your body

·         They are a fire and explosion danger

·         They are created from petroleum, that is, "crude oil"

Avoid creating a "how to" primer for experimenters and substance abusers. Instead, ask your child what they know about inhalants.

Avoid discussing...

·         Inhalants as a drug (Unless you are targeting a group where there are primarily inhalant abusers or children knowledgeable about inhalants)

·         Euphoric effects--Avoid talking about the "high"

·         What products can be abused

·         How to abuse these products & paraphernalia