What is huffing? Huffing is inhaling chemicals or substances through the mouth or nose for the purpose of getting an intoxicating effect or a “high” feeling. Other terms used for huffing include: sniffing, glading, dusting, snorting, bagging, or spraying. The effects of inhalants are quick because the chemical is quickly absorbed by the lungs and passed into the bloodstream. The intoxicating feeling does not last long so some abusers with continue to inhale the chemical to sustain the “high” feeling. According to the 2010 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), there were 793,000 persons aged 12 or older who had used inhalants for the first time within the past 12 months; 68.4% were under the age of 18. In fact, inhalants — particularly volatile solvents, gases, and aerosols — are often the easiest and first options for abuse among young children who use drugs. Although the annual surveys report a decrease in inhalant abuse the highest use was among teenagers aged 12 to 17, peaking among 14-year-olds. Side effects of using inhalants: Headaches Vomiting Wheezing Slurred speech Nausea Vomiting Drowsiness Lack of coordination Loss of control Abdominal pain Rash around nose and/or mouth Emotional disturbances Hallucinations Impaired judgment Loss of sensation Dangers Suffocation Injuries due to loss of consciousness Lack of oxygen Rapid and/or erratic heartbeat Cardiac arrest Loss of consciousness Death Examples of inhalants: Glue or rubber cement Gas or Kerosene Paint thinner Aerosol cans (cleaning sprays, compressed air, hair spray, deodorant spray, air fresheners, starting fluid, cooking spray, etc.) Nail polish remover Freon from the air conditioner Helium Butane Propane Solvents What can you do as a parent? You are doing it. You are getting informed. Knowledge is powerful when dealing with teenagers. After all, they think they know everything. Keep the lines of communication open with your teenager. Listen to what they say and how they act. Be calm when talking with them. If your teenager is abusing inhalants, get help. Triumph Youth Services has been working successfully with teenage boys and young men with a variety issues for years. Call them. They have answers. They can help. Reference: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inhalant_abuse http://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/research-reports/inhalant-abuse/what-scope-inhalant-abuse http://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/research-reports/inhalant-abuse/what-are-short-long-term-effects-inhalant-use