The use of inhalants is an alarming trend that actually begins as early as Middle School. In fact, compared to other drug use, inhalants are most often used and abused by 7th to 9th graders, and is shown to be a “gateway” drug to more illicit drugs as the teens get older. Inhalants can be found in every home, and are harmless when used as they are intended. Any kind of glue or adhesive can be inhaled. Butane, aerosol based hairspray and other aerosol based products are common in every home. Most women have nail polish remover in their homes, and it is common to have paint thinner and gasoline in the garage. All of these products we use every day in the way they were intended with no problems or adverse side effects. The problem comes when teens get these products and inhale them to get high.
There is no question on how teens can get their hands on inhalants, as they are everyday products easily attainable. This is one reason that teens are so willing to try this trend in getting high. There are many ways that people can abuse these products to get high. They breathe the vapors in through their nose or mouth, in several different ways. They can sniff or snort fumes from the containers. They sometimes spray the aerosols directly into their nose or mouth. They inhale vapors from substances placed in a paper bag, this is sometimes called huffing. They also inhale from balloons filled with nitrous oxide, or “huff” from an inhalant soaked rag stuffed in their mouths. The high only lasts a few minutes, which is why the teenagers often repeat the inhaling repeatedly over several hours in order to make the “high” last longer.
The misconception that inhalants are not dangerous is a misconception. It can be very addictive, in addition to being a gateway to stronger, more illicit drugs. In long term use, it slows the brains normal rate and can cause irreparable brain damage. It can also cause bone marrow damage, heart damage, liver damage and kidney damage. It can also cause immediate death, known as “Sudden Sniffing Death Syndrome” when it changes the normal heart beat and causes heart failure. The most important thing that parents can do is to stay informed, be involved in your child’s life, and monitor their daily activities. Keep the conversation open and make sure your child knows the risks of this behavior, and be aware of any changes in your young teen so that you can stop a problem before it begins.