Since the 80’s, abuse of the common household cleaning products and other products you would use for office or shop use has become more commonplace, especially amongst our youth. Products such as White-Out, paint thinner, spray paint, solvents, computer aerosol duster, felt tip markers, air freshener, butane, cooking spray, various types of glue, gasoline, deodorant spray, fabric protector spray, whipping cream aerosols, hair spray, and household cleaners are more likely to be abused by kids in the 12-17 year age range group because the ease of accessibility.
The high is achieved by inhaling the product through the nose or mouth. Some practice spraying the chemical into a paper sack or a rag and the inhaling it through their mouth referred to as huffing or bagging. Products such as White Out, markers, and various glues are sniffed. It has been shown that kids who start with household product abuse are more likely to try illicit drugs, such as meth, cocaine, and marijuana.
Sign that can indicate household product use to achieve a high in your child are glassy/glazed eyes, loss of appetite, chemical smells coming from their child’s breath or clothing, signs of paint or other products on the face or fingers, and missing household products. Your child will appear as if they are drunk. Effects achieved by abuse of household products are lightheadedness, dizziness, loss of inhibitions, excitation followed by drowsiness, slurred speech, euphoria, hallucinations, and delusions.
The high achieved by abusing household products is short lived resulting in the user to continue to use repeatedly in order to maintain the high. This can easily lead to loss of consciousness and even death. It is not uncommon for a youth to die from a single use of household product abuse or damage to the brain or kidney failure.
If you suspect your child is abusing household products, seek professional help immediately. It is highly dangerous and the risk of death is very high and very real.
If you need help or know of someone who does, please contact A Better Tomorrow today. We are here to help.
http://www.abttc.net/
Phone: 800.971.1586
Fax: 800.401.8464
24 Hour Addiction HelpLine
Tel. (800) 396-9389 (7 days 24 hours)
e-mail: info@24houraddictionhelp.com
http://www.24houraddictionhelp.org/
