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