Inhalants Abuse and Addiction - Huffing

One in five students in America has used an inhalant to get high by the time he or she reaches the eighth grade. The largest demographic to abuse are teenagers ages 12 to 17. The next group that follows them is the 18 to 25 age group. Huffing is extremely dangerous. Huffing involves inhaling volatile substances, in order to get high.

One of the greatest dangers of huffing is that it can kill a person in the very first time they try. About 22% of deaths that occur because of huffing are by people who did it for the first time. If huffing does not kill you the first time, the effects of huffing can kill your body slowly. The volatile substances can kill brain cells. Once these cells are lost, they will never come back. In addition to this, huffing can cause memory loss, impaired concentration, hearing loss, loss of coordination, and permanent brain damage. Chronic use can cause permanent heart, lung, liver, and kidney damage as well. Another long term effect of huffing is the psychiatric issue such as, depression, mood changes, irritability, and inattentiveness.

Warning signs for parents to look for:
- Drunk, dazed, or dizzy appearance
- Slurred or disoriented speech
- Uncoordinated physical symptoms
- Red or runny eyes and nose
- Spots and/or sores around the mouth
- Unusual breath odor or chemical odor on clothing
- Signs of paint or other products where they wouldn't normally be, such as on face, lips, nose or fingers
- Nausea and/or loss of appetite
- Chronic Inhalant Abusers may exhibit symptoms such as hallucinations, anxiety, excitability, irritability, restlessness or anger.

While several of these warning signs may point to occasional problems most teens experience at some point during the teenage years, don't be fooled. Know what specific signs may signal real trouble for your child.

In addition to this, you should recognize other telltale behavior signs of Inhalant Abusers:
- Painting fingernails with magic markers or correction fluid
- Sitting with a pen or marker by the nose
- Constantly smelling clothing sleeves
- Showing paint or stain marks on face, fingers or clothing
- Having numerous butane lighters and refills in room, backpack or locker (when the child does not smoke)
- Hiding rags, clothes or empty containers of the potentially abused products in closets, under the bed, in garage etc

Huffing is an addictive behavior and a growing addiction among the adolescent/teen population. Seek professional assistance immediately. Inspiration’s Teen Rehab specializes in residential adolescent addiction treatment with individualized treatment for “huffing” abuse and/or addiction. A call today can save your teen’s life.

We at Inspirations understand the unique challenges of being a parent. If you have any questions, please know that we are here to provide you with support and guidance, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. We welcome the opportunity to answer your questions free of charge about teen drug rehab, teen substance abuse, adolescent addiction, teen behavior, or other related matters. If you would prefer, please fill out our short form and one of our counselors will respond.

Inspirations for Youth and FamiliesAddiction Treatment for Teens: 1-888-757-6237
http://www.inspirationsyouth.com

Cove Center for Recovery Addiction Treatment for adults and young adults: 1-888-387-6237
http://www.covecenterforrecovery.com