What is huffing?
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Huffing is a term used to describe the process of which teens use inhaling chemical vapors through the mouth and/or nose. Teens huff by pouring chemicals onto a rag or into a bag and then held over the nose/mouth to be inhaled. They can also be inhaled directly by sniffing vapors from their containers or by spraying directly into the mouth or nose. This form of addiction can be very dangerous ad have cause many teens to have an abundance of medical problems and brain damage.
Huffing is a term used to describe the process of which teens use inhaling chemical vapors through the mouth and/or nose. Teens huff by pouring chemicals onto a rag or into a bag and then held over the nose/mouth to be inhaled. They can also be inhaled directly by sniffing vapors from their containers or by spraying directly into the mouth or nose. This form of addiction can be very dangerous ad have cause many teens to have an abundance of medical problems and brain damage.
There are four basic types of chemicals that are used as inhalants.
- Volatile solvents - toluene (glues, rubber cement, paint thinners, paint removers), gasoline, correction fluids
- Gases - Nitrous oxide (found in whipped cream canisters), chloroform, propane
- Aerosols (sprays) - toluene (spray paint), butane (lighters, air fresheners, deodorants, hair sprays)
- Nitrites (also known as poppers and snappers) - This type of inhalant is primarily used as a sexual enhancer as it has zslightly different effects than the above mentioned substances. Usually sold "liquid incense" or "room odorizer".
Teens find this form of abuse to be the most easy way to attain a quick high and are found in easy to find places such as everyday products we have lying around our houses. What makes them so dangerous is that they are readily available in their homes, or in a drug store or super market. For this reason, teens are not aware of the dangers that exist. The teen will become addicted to the inhalant and will not be able to stop because of the factor that it gives a quick release.
In a study found on the National Survey on Drug use and Health, 75% of teens who abuse inhalants are under 18 and usually begin at age 16. Teens that also came from a higher income family have a higher rate of using.
Effects on Inhalants
Effects from teens abusing inhalants can be both short term and long term. These effects vary upon the substance abused and in what concentrations they are abused. The effects the teens are trying to achieve are similar to alcohol intoxication. However, this feeling comes at a high price. Using inhalants can be very deadly, even the first time they are used.
Effects from teens abusing inhalants can be both short term and long term. These effects vary upon the substance abused and in what concentrations they are abused. The effects the teens are trying to achieve are similar to alcohol intoxication. However, this feeling comes at a high price. Using inhalants can be very deadly, even the first time they are used.
What treatment is available for huffers?
For teens to get help with their huffing addiction early education is key in the prevention of this type of abuse. Making our teenagers aware about the dangers associated with inhalants can increase the chances of them not abusing in the first place. However, many teens have the mindset that they are invincible, so they will try it anyways. Thus the abuse and addiction becomes a cycle for them.
For teens to get help with their huffing addiction early education is key in the prevention of this type of abuse. Making our teenagers aware about the dangers associated with inhalants can increase the chances of them not abusing in the first place. However, many teens have the mindset that they are invincible, so they will try it anyways. Thus the abuse and addiction becomes a cycle for them.
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