Inhalants / Question
Published: August 5, 2002
Dear TeenHealthFX,
What are some signs and effects of inhaling?
Signed: Effects of Inhaling
Dear Effects of Inhaling,
Inhaling or huffing as it is commonly referred to is a very serious issue. TeenHealthFX wonders what may have spurred your question. Inhalant abuse is a dangerous issue. If you or someone you know is inhaling please stop. Also, you can speak to a trusted adult, guidance counselor, teacher or healthcare professional. For more information about treatment and inhalant abuse contact the National Inhalant Prevention Coalition at 1-800-269-4237.
For those readers who are not familiar with this topic, inhaling is the intentional breathing of gas vapors with the goal of getting high. Inhalant abusers are often in their early adolescent years and find the rapid high and availability of inhalants very attractive. Inhalant abusers use household and school supplies to satisfy their need. Some signs of inhalant abuse may be:
Chemical odors on clothing or breath
Mood swings
Dazed or glassy-eyed appearance
Nervousness
Unusual stains on clothing
Spots or sores on mouth
Inhalants are just as dangerous as other drugs. They work quickly by replacing the oxygen in your brain creating that high feeling. Repeated inhaling can lead to serious health problems and sometimes death. The short and long term effects of inhaling are:
- Shortness of breath
- Bad headaches
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Slurred speech
- Double vision
- Hallucinations
- Lack of coordination
- Trouble concentrating
- Loss of short-term memory
- Lung and kidney problems
- Permanent brain damage
Socially inhalers lose friends and their schoolwork and athletics start to suffer. Those teens that are inhaling for the first or hundredth time are not safe from its risks. Inhaling may slow your nervous system so much that breathing stops. Also ones? lungs may become so coated with chemicals that no oxygen can get in causing suffocation. Also, "sudden sniffing death" can occur from the chemicals causing irregular heartbeat.
Inhalant abuse is not an issue to be taken lightly. If you or someone else is inhaling please stop and seek help. Talk to a trusted adult, guidance counselor, teacher or healthcare professional. Contact the National Inhalant Prevention Coalition at 1-800-269-4237 for treatment and more information about inhalant abuse.
Signed: TeenHealthFX
Girls are more likely to intentionally abuse prescription drugs than boys.
