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| Short-Term | Long-Term |
|---|---|
| Seizures | Weight loss |
| Nosebleeds | Sores on nose and mouth |
| Loss of appetite | Impaired kidneys |
| Headaches | Impaired liver |
| Abdominal pain | Lung damage |
Inhalant Abuse Prevention
Inhaling the vapors from chemical products has become a dangerous practice among teenagers and young adults. Often referred to as “huffing,” inhaling chemical vapors can become addictive — leading to both short-term and long-term health consequences including death. Most people have no idea how dangerous it is to inhale a chemical substance.
In the U.S.:
- Over 6 million children ages 12-17 use an inhalant each year to get high.
- Inhalants tend to be a drug that is tried first by children.
- 59% of children are aware of friends huffing at age 12.
- Inhalants tend to be a drug that is tried first by children.
- 1 in 4 students in America has intentionally abused a common household product to get high by the time they reach the 8th grade.
- In Louisiana, according to the statewide Caring Communities Youth Survey, the reported inhalant usage (both lifetime and past 30-day usage) has decreased among 6th-, 8th-, 10th- and 12th-graders.
Louisiana's Response - House Concurrent Resolution No. 24 of the 2016 Regular Legislative Session urged the Louisiana Department of Health, Office of Behavioral Health to raise awareness of addictive disorders involving abuse of inhalants and make efforts to reduce the prevalence of inhalant abuse.
What are Inhalants?
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health, although other abused drugs can be inhaled, the term “inhalant” is reserved for a variety of substances including, but not limited to, solvents, gases, and aerosols that can alter moods and create a high. Nitrites (poppers and snappers) can also be inhaled and are believed to create sexual stimulation and enhancement.
How are Inhalants Abused?
People inhale chemical vapors through their nose, mouth, or both. This includes sniffing, snorting, or spraying the inhalant directly into the nose or mouth. Some people put the substance into a bag or other container and then inhale from there or put the vapor onto a rag to inhale.
How Do Inhalants Cause Medical Harm?
Inhalants are absorbed by parts of the brain and nervous system. They can slow down the body’s functions, similar to the effects of drinking alcohol. Other effects include: