What is inhalant abuse?
Inhalant abuse is the deliberate concentration and breathing of chemical vapors found in common household products to get high. Many parents are unaware of this form of substance abuse.
What products can be abused?
Inhalants include any aerosol spray product, liquid products containing volatile solvents (these will give off strong-smelling fumes), and certain gases such as nitrous oxide (in whipped cream cans), butane and freon.
What harm do inhalants cause?
Most inhalants are extremely toxic to the body's organs. They can kill suddenly (from cardiac arrest), even a first-time user. Inhalant use also can cause permanent brain damage, as well as damage to the muscles and organs. Inhalant use can become addictive.
Who uses inhalants?
Inhalants are the only substances used more frequently by young adolescents and children. Use often begins in elementary school and peaks in eighth or ninth grade, but can continue into the high school years.
Why do kids use inhalants?
Kids use inhalants because they are cheap, available, legal and unrecognized by adults. They don't know the dangers of misusing inhalable products, because they are learning about inhalants from their peers, not from their parents or other adults.
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How should I teach my child about inhalants?
Teach your child from an early age that these products contain toxic chemicals that are poisonous when breathed in concentrated form and can hurt or even kill them. Read the cautions on the label with them and demonstrate appropriate use of the product.
Because of the easy accessibility of these products, do not talk about them as drugs that make you high, but emphasize that they are poisonous and harmful when misused. You do not want to accidentally encourage experimentation.
What are the signs of inhalant abuse?
Signs of inhalant abuse include
- unusual breath odor or chemical odor on clothing.
- slurred or disoriented speech.
- red or runny eyes or nose.
- spots and/or sores around the mouth.
- paint or stain marks on the face, fingers or clothing.
- smelly rags, cloths or empty containers of abusable products hidden in closets or other places.
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Inhalant Abuse Prevention:
Staff Education and
Student Curriculum
This manual contains information about inhalants for adults who work with children or youth. Age- appropriate lessons are included. Although designed for the school classroom, these lessons can be used in any setting with children and youth.
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