Inhalant Use

Inhalant abuse is the deliberate inhalation or sniffing of common products found in homes and communities for the purpose of getting high. There are a number of illegal drugs that are inhaled but those drugs do not fall under this terminology. The term inhalant refers to products that are not illegal, in and of themselves, but through improper use, can produce similar effects to illegal drugs. The most commonly used products include nail polish remover, spray paint, hair spray, rubber cement, paint thinner and gasoline.

Inhalants can be used in a variety of ways, but the three most common are sniffing, huffing and bagging. Sniffing is the most common, because it is the easiest. Fumes from the product are sniffed directly from the product. Huffing is done by soaking a piece of cloth with the product and holding it over the mouth and nose or by stuffing it into the mouth. Bagging occurs when the product is sprayed or put into a paper or plastic bag and the fumes are inhaled from the bag.

Regardless of the product and method used, inhalants are dangerous. They can cause blackouts, seizures, lung damage and even death. Inhalants are especially dangerous for young children. Most products used as inhalants are found in most every home. Children as young as 5, have used inhalants to get high. Three percent of all children will have tried it at least once before they reach the fourth grade. One of the gravest dangers of inhalant use is called Sudden Sniffing Death Syndrome (SSDS). This occurs when the inhalant causes the heart to beat erratically and quickly and simultaneously the fumes keep the body from being able to produce enough oxygen. The deadly result is suffocation. It can occur with the first use or the fiftieth, or not at all. Even if death does not occur there can be damage to the brain and central nervous system.

Children are not the only ones who use inhalants. Those who do may appear to be disoriented, dizzy or uncoordinated. They may also have a red or runny nose, unusual breath, slurred speech or sores around the mouth. Inhalants are often a gateway to illicit drugs and/or alcohol. If you or someone you know has a problem with drugs, call A Better Tomorrow Treatment Center, to get the help they need.

If you need help, are struggling with an addiction, or know of someone who is, please contact A Better Tomorrow Treatment Center today. We are here to help.
http://www.abttc.net/
Phone: 800.971.1586
Fax: 800.401.8464
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Tel. (800) 396-9389 (7 days 24 hours)
e-mail: info@24houraddictionhelp.com
http://www.24houraddictionhelp.org/

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