Huffing is the purposeful inhalation of chemical vapors to achieve a feeling of euphoria. There are more than 1,000 common household products that can be huffed, including aerosols, such as paint, deodorants, and hairspray, gases, such as nitrous oxide from whipping cream cans, nitrates, and volatile solvents, like gas or glue. Nealy 17 million people have at least experimented with inhalants at some point in their lives. They are the fourth most commonly abused substance in the United States among 8th graders and high schools students.
The primary user group of inhalants is 12-17 year old children.
18% of 8th graders have admitted to huffing a substance to get high at least once in their lifetime.
Males and females abuse inhalants at nearly equal rates.
The average age of those who suffer inhalant related deaths is 25.
Signs of inhalant abuse include disoriented appearance, presence of paint or other inhaled materials on the face, hands, or clothing, red or runny nose, sores around the nose and mouth, slurred speech, nausea, and strong chemical smell.
Death from huffing can occur after the first time use, or prolonged exposure.
Kids who huff inhalants typically experiment with other drugs as well.
Using huffing as a method to get high can lead to permanent brain damage, and damage to the heart, lungs, and liver.
Cancer, cardiac arrest, suffocation, brain damage, muscle damage, bone marrow damage, choking, and death can all result from the act of huffing dangerous substances. Recognizing the dangers and teaching them to your children are the keys to drug abuse prevention.
