Statistics show that by the time a child reaches 8th grade 1 out of 5 will have tried some kind of inhalant. Inhalants are popular with younger people because they are easily purchased at any local store.
There are 4 main types of inhalants:
1. Volatile Solvents: Paint thinners, correction fluid, markers, gasoline and dry-cleaning fluids
2. Gases: Butane lighters, refrigerants, whipped cream dispensers and propane tanks
3. Aerosols: Spray paint, hairspray, vegetable oil cook sprays, air fresheners and fabric protection sprays
4. Nitrates: Isobutyl nitrite, isoamyl nitrite and cyclohexyl nitrite, aka "poppers" (harder to get)
One of the most commonly used is "canned air" or the air you purchase to clean things such as your computer keyboard. Stores closely monitor and ID people who buy this product.
Short term effects of "huffing" inhalants include dizziness, nausea/vomiting, delusions, hallucinations, loss of inhibitions, impaired judgment - leading to accidents/injury.
Long term effects of huffing include damage to the major organs, including the brain, heart, lungs, kidneys and liver.
Drug rehab facilities for this type of substance abuse are available but more difficult to find. If you suspect or are aware of your teen using inhalants determine if they need substance abuse treatment for this and/or any other drugs. But, at very minimum get them into teen counseling or therapy.
