Inhalant abuse
Every year, many young people die of inhalant abuse. Many of them suffer severe consequences, including permanent brain damage, loss of muscle control, and destruction of the heart, blood, kidney, liver, and bone marrow.
According to drugabuse.gov, in 2009, 2.1 million Americans age 12 and older had abused inhalants. Source: National Survey on Drug Use and Health (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration Web Site). The NIDA-funded 2010 Monitoring the Future Study showed that 8.1% of 8th graders, 5.7% of 10th graders, and 3.6% of 12th graders had abused inhalants at least once in the year prior to being surveyed. Source: Monitoring the Future (University of Michigan Web Site). This study indicates that inhalant abuse is more popular with younger individuals – specifically elementary and middle school aged children.
You may wonder why these young kids (adults abuse inhalants too – just not as frequently) are abusing inhalants. The answer is simple: they generally have easy access to them. Inhalants include products such as: glues/adhesives, nail polish remover, marking pens, paint thinner, spray paint, butane lighter fluid, gasoline, propane gas, typewriter correction fluid, household cleaners, cooking sprays, deodorants, fabric protectors, whipping cream aerosols, and air conditioning coolants. These ordinary household products seem relatively safe to have in our home/yard, but can be deadly to a child who becomes hooked on the high they get from inhaling them.
Inhalants produce a high that has mind-altering effects. Many kids report that they started using in grade school due to peer pressure or lack of self-esteem. However, most do not understand how deadly inhalants can be. Most inhalants produce a rapid high that resembles alcohol intoxication. If sufficient amounts are inhaled, nearly all solvents and gases produce a loss of sensation, and even unconsciousness. Irreversible effects can be hearing loss, limb spasms, central nervous system or brain damage, or bone marrow damage. Sniffing high concentrations of inhalants may result in death from heart failure or suffocation (inhalants displace oxygen in the lungs). (drugabuse.gov)
Some signs to watch for if you think someone you love is struggling with inhalant abuse include:
- Unusual breath odor or chemical odor on clothing.
- Slurred or disoriented speech.
- Drunk, dazed, or dizzy appearance.
- Signs of paint or other products where they wouldn’t normally be, such as on the face or fingers.
- Red or runny eyes or nose.
- Spots and/or sores around the mouth.
- Nausea and/or loss of appetite.
Chronic inhalant abusers may exhibit such symptoms as anxiety, excitability, irritability, or restlessness. (cpsc.gov)
Preventing inhalant abuse is key. Most importantly, society needs to talk with children about the dangers of inhalants and their effects. It needs to be discussed that even one time of inhalant abuse can prove to be deadly. Also, teachers, counselors, and administrators need to be educated on the dangers of inhalants. Being open about the consequences and dangers of inhalant abuse can help prevent devastation and tragedy