What do they look like? Examples of products kids abuse to get high include model airplane glue, nail polish remover, cleaning fluids, hair spray, gasoline, the propellant in aerosol whipped cream, spray paint, fabric protector, air conditioner fluid (freon), cooking spray and correction fluid.

How are they used? These products are sniffed, snorted, bagged (fumes inhaled from a plastic bag), or "huffed" (inhalant-soaked rag, sock, or roll of toilet paper in the mouth) to achieve a high. Inhalants are also sniffed directly from the container.

What are their short-term effects? Within seconds of inhalation, the user experiences intoxication along with other effects similar to those produced by alcohol. Alcohol-like effects may include slurred speech, an inability to coordinate movements, dizziness, confusion and delirium. Nausea and vomiting are other common side effects. In addition, users may experience lightheadedness, hallucinations, and delusions.

What are their long-term effects? Compulsive use and a mild withdrawal syndrome can occur with long-term inhalant abuse. Additional symptoms exhibited by long-term inhalant abusers include weight loss, muscle weakness, disorientation, inattentiveness, lack of coordination, irritability, and depression.

After heavy use of inhalants, abusers may feel drowsy for several hours and experience a lingering headache. Because intoxication lasts only a few minutes, abusers frequently seek to prolong their high by continuing to inhale repeatedly over the course of several hours. By doing this, abusers can suffer loss of consciousness and death.

Inhalants Street Names

Inhalant Abuse Fact Sheet

Definition:
Commonly known among kids as "huffing," "bagging," or "sniffing," inhalant abuse is the deliberate concentration and inhalation of common products found in homes, offices, and schools to get high.

Statistics:
National surveys of young people and U.S. households indicate that:

• Inhalants are the fifth most-abused substance after alcohol, tobacco, marijuana and prescription drug misuse among high school students.



• Almost as many 8th graders have ever tried inhalants (16 percent) as have tried marijuana/hashish (18 percent).



• According to a household survey, 308,000 teens, aged 12-17 used inhalants in the past month.



• Fewer than 1 in 20 parents believe their children may have ever abused inhalants.

More than 1,000 common products are potential inhalants that can kill, including:

• Glue


• Freon


• Correction fluid


• Computer agents


• Deodorizers


• Markers


• Paint products


• Gases (whippets, butane, propane)


• Gasoline


• Fire extinguishers
• 
  
• Nail polish remover


• Lighter fluid


• Hair spray


• Cleaning agents

Harmful Effects
Chronic inhalant users can suffer severe and permanent brain damage; some die the first time they experiment. Other possible risks include the following:

1. Intoxication


2. Hearing loss


3. Bone marrow damage


4. Short-term memory loss


5. Limb spasms


6. Liver and kidney damage

Signs of Use
There is a common link between inhalant abuse and problems in school - failing grades, chronic absences, and general apathy. Other signs include the following:

1. Paint or stains on body, clothing, rags, or bags


2. Unusual breath odor or chemical odor on clothing


3. Slurred or disorientated speech


4. Anxiety, excitability, irritability, or restlessness


5. Missing household items


6. Red or runny eyes or nose


7. Spots or sores around the mouth


8. Drunk, dazed, or dizzy appearance


9. Nausea, loss of appetite

Below you'll find steps for prevention, tips on monitoring your child, and what to do if you suspect your child may be using inhalants.

1. Learn the facts about the dangerous risks associated with inhalants, and the array of products that can be inhaled.
   
   Critical facts about Inhalants that every parent should know:
   
   • Inhalant use peaks with 8th graders.
   
   
   
   • Inhalants are the fifth most-abused substance after alcohol, tobacco, marijuana and prescription drug misuse among high school students.
   
   
   
   • Almost as many 8th graders have ever tried inhalants (16 percent) as have tried marijuana/hashish (18 percent).
   
   
   
   • According to a household survey, 308,000 teens, aged 12-17 used inhalants in the past month.
   
   
   
   • Fewer than 1 in 20 parents believe their children may have ever abused inhalants.
   
   
   
   • More than 1,000 common products are potential inhalants that can kill, including: glues, markers, nail polish remover, freon, paint products, lighter fluid, correction fluid, gases (whippets, butane, propane), hair spray, computer agents, gasoline, cleaning agents, deodorizers, fire extinguishers.
   
   
   
2. Look out for the signs that your child may be using inhalants.
   
   The symptoms of inhalant abuse can often go undetected because many of them are associated with the ups and downs of adolescence, or even a common cold — i.e., irritability; weight loss; rings under the eyes; runny nose or sores under the nose; watery eyes; change in friends; struggles with school; etc. It's important for parents not to accuse their kids of using inhalants when all they're doing is struggling through the pre-teen and teen years. However, it's also important for parents not to miss what may be important clues regarding actual inhalant use. Some signs are obvious: spray cans in rooms; the smell of gas on kids' hands; soaked rags found in rooms.



3. Monitoring your children is a very effective method of prevention.
   
   Be aware of what your children are doing: if they're hanging out with their friends in or around your home, check in on them every so often, whether it is to offer them a snack or just to say hi.



4. Educate your child about the dangers; however, be careful about educating your child about specific products being used as inhalants.
   
   Don't mention specific substances unless your child brings them up. While many youngsters know kids are sniffing some substances, they may not know the full range of products that can be abused and you don't want to give them suggestions.



5. Talk to other parents to develop a consistent message about the dangers of inhalant abuse, and spread the word.
   
   Get involved in community awareness activities to fight the problem.



6. If you suspect usage of inhalants, closely monitor your home inventory of products that can be inhaled and look for the warning signs noted in #2 above.

If you have very strong indications that your child is using inhalants, we highly recommend the following course of action:

1. Immediately talk to your child about it. If warning signs point to a child using inhalants or drugs, it's time to take action. If you deal with possible substance abuse head-on, there's a very good chance your child can be helped. Don't spend time hiding from the problem. Spend your time helping your child. The faster you act, the faster your child can start to become well again.



2. Sit down with your child for an open discussion about inhalants. Openly voice your suspicions to your child but avoid direct accusations. Do not have this conversation when your child is under the influence, and make sure you sound calm and rational. Ask your child what's been going on in his/her life. Discuss the potentially grave dangers of even one-time inhalant use. Prepare for the conversation by getting another family member, your child's guidance counselor, or physician involved. Ask for your child's commitment to stop, and begin or continue monitoring. With any sign of continued use, seek professional help immediately.