What Is Inhalant Abuse?
Inhalants are substances that give off chemical vapors that can be inhaled to produce a mind-altering effect. Inhalants that are abused by teens are often obtained from common household products.
Products That Might Be Abused
Although there are hundreds of chemicals that might be inhaled, the following are some examples to be aware of:
- Solvents such as paint thinners and removers, dry-cleaning fluids, degreasers, gasoline, glues, correction fluids, and felt-tip marker fluids;
- Aerosols from spray paints, deodorant and hair sprays, vegetable oil sprays for cooking, and fabric protector sprays;
- Gases found in products that boost octane levels in racing cars, butane lighters, propane tanks, whipped cream dispensers (nitrous oxide or "laughing gas"), and refrigerants; and,
- Nitrites such as cyclohexyl nitrite (found in room odorizers), amyl nitrite (prescribed to some patients for heart pain), and butyl nitrite (sold as a street drug).
Other Names for Inhalant Abuse
Sniffing, snorting, bagging, huffing.
Why Do People Do It?
Inhalants are used as mood-altering drugs. The one exception to this is nitrites, which are used primarily as sexual enhancers. The are used because they are inexpensive, easy to obtain and legal. They may be used with peers as a social activity.
Who Uses Inhalants?
According to a report from the National Institute on Drug Abuse, because they are so easy to obtain around the home, inhalants are among the first drugs that teens use. One national survey indicates about 6 percent of U.S. children have tried inhalants by the time they reach fourth grade. Inhalant abuse reaches its peak at some point during the seventh through ninth grades. In 1999 it is estimated that around 10% of eight graders had abused inhalants.
Gender differences in inhalant abuse have been identified at different points in childhood. One study indicates inhalant abuse is higher for boys than girls in grades 4 through 6, occurs at similar rates in grades 7 through 9-when overall use is highest-and becomes more prevalent again among boys in grades 10 through 12. Sustained inhalant abuse (into the twenties) seems to be more prevalent in males.
People abuse inhalants in both urban and rural settings. Poverty, a history of childhood abuse, poor grades, and dropping out of school all are associated with inhalant abuse.
Warning Signs
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, the following are signs to look for:
- Chemical odors on breath or clothing,
- Paint or other stains on face, hands, or clothes,
- Hidden spray paint or solvent containers and chemical soaked rags or clothing,
- Drunk or disoriented appearance,
- Slurred speech,
- Nausea or loss of appetite,
- Inattentiveness, lack of coordination, irritability, and depression.
Treatments
Inhalant abuse is very dangerous activity. Abusers may suffer permanent brain damage or die from asphyxiation, suffocation, choking or accident due to their impairment. The best treatment is prevention. Talk with your child about the dangers of inhalants and work to instill in them a strong sense of self-esteem.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, treatment of existing abuse may be difficult. The abuser may suffer withdrawal symptoms such as tremors, sweating, headaches and nervousness. Recovery generally involves long-term treatment strategies such as:
- Support of the child's family
- Moving the child away from unhealthy friendships with other abusers
- Teaching and fostering better coping skills
- Building self-esteem and self-confidence
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Helping the child adjust to school or another learning setting
