Teen Inhalant Abuse
- Teen Inhalant Abuse
Sometimes known as the "silent killer", inhalants have become a problem of epidemic proportions among young people and the parents who care about them. Easily accessed and incredibly dangerous, inhalants are used by teens and even pre-teens looking for a quick, inexpensive and powerful high.
The process is as simple as it is deadly as kids will place household products such as cleaners or disinfectants in a bag, and then sniff or "huff" the contents. This creates a brief period of euphoria that is usually followed by more huffing to maintain the effect.
Some of the most common household substances used as inhalants are:
- Spray paint
- Glue
- Fingernail polish
- Gasoline
- Correction fluid
- Whipped cream dispensers
While under the influence of inhalants, teenagers may experience euphoria, dizziness, slurred speech or hallucinations.
Facts and Statistics on Teen Inhalant Abuse
How serious is the teen inhalant abuse problem in the United States? Consider the following information, obtained through recent surveys by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration:
- Over 2.5 million young people between the ages of 12 and 17 have used inhalants at once during their life. Only two years before this survey was taken, that number was over half a million less.
- The peak years for inhalant use are between the ages of 14 and 15.
- Although the overall number of teenagers using drugs has fallen over the past decade, levels of inhalant abuse have continued to rise (as have the percentage of children who see using them as "not dangerous")
The Effects of Inhalant Abuse
Inhalants can wreak terrible havoc on the health of a young person. Among the most serious health problems associated with inhalant abuse are:
- Damaged brain cells (as a result of the inhalant cutting off the oxygen supply to the brain)
- Heart damage and heart failure
- Liver damage
- Kidney failure
- Aplastic anemia (in which the body does not produce enough brain cells)
- Hearing loss
Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms of Teen Inhalant Use
Parents need to be fully aware of the signs and symptoms associated with teen inhalant use. Any child exhibiting one or more of the following conditions may already be using inhalants and is therefore putting their lives at risk:
- The smell of chemicals on their breath or in their clothing
- Paint stains on their clothing, face or hands
- Nausea
- Loss of appetite and weight loss
- Disoriented behavior
- Irritability and mood swings
- Depression
Any one or more of these signs should be enough to talk to your child about their inhalant use. If additional communication and information fail to stop the problem, contact a teen-friendly addiction treatment program immediately.
Newport Academy is a unique residential treatment facility located in the beautiful city of Newport Beach, California. The staff at Newport specializes in teen drug abuse and uses proven-successful, cutting-edge methods to help your child break the cycle of addiction. For more information, contact Newport Academy today.
