Huffing for a High

Inhalant abuse, often called huffing, is the fourth most abused drug for adolescents 12-17 years old. Only alcohol, marijuana and cigarettes outrank inhalant abuse among this age group. So what is huffing? Huffing is "the inhalation of chemical vapors to achieve an altered mental or physical state, which for most abusers is a euphoric effect" (National Drug Intelligence Center, 2001). These inhalants can be found in over 1,000 common household products. Here are some categories that should be closely guarded by parents and guardians of adolescents: volatile solvents, aerosols, gases and nitrates. The common household products for these categories are;

Volatile Solvents:

paint thinner, nail polish, nail polish remover, correction fluid, felt-tip makers and gasoline.

Aerosols:

spray paint, hair products, cooking spray.

Gases:

air conditioning units, propane tanks, butane lighters, whipped cream dispensers, and whippets (usually done at rave parties) .

Nitrites:(enhances sexual experiences)

commonly known as poppers, "small, mesh-covered, sealed capsules that are popped or snapped in order to release the vapors", can be purchased from adult bookstores and over the internet.

Signs of Abuse:

Drunk or disoriented appearance

Paint or other stains on face, hands, or clothing

Hidden empty spray paint or solvent containers and chemical-soaked rags or clothing

Slurred speech

Strong chemical odors on breath or clothing

Nausea or loss of appetite

Red or runny nose

Sores or rash around the nose or mouth

If you or someone you know is huffing for a high, addiction treatment can help you overcome and fill the void that inhalant abuse is trying to fill.

Sources:

National Institute on Drug Abuse, Research Report Series, Inhalant Abuse, 10 May 2001.

National Drug Intelligence Center, Intelligence Brief: Huffing, The Abuse of Inhalants, November 2001.