|
|
 |
| | | | | |
|
-
kids using inhalants
-
Signs of sniffing
If your child has paint stains on his fingers and mouth, excessive vomiting and watery eyes, he may be inhaling the fumes from products like spray paint, nail polish and gasoline.
Inhalants are all over the house. They are in your child’s school, items brought home from the grocery store and most parents are in the dark regarding the dangers of inhalant use. But, children are quickly discovering that common household products are inexpensive to obtain, easy to hide and the easiest way to get high. It is reported that inhaling is as popular as marijuana with young people.
Inhalant use refers to the intentional breathing of gas or vapors with the purpose of reaching a high. Inhalants are legal, everyday products which have a useful purpose, but can be misused: paint, glue, correction fluid, air-conditioning refrigerant, felt tip markers, spray paint, air freshener, butane and cooking spray.
Inhalants are an equal opportunity method of substance abuse. Statistics show that young, white males have the highest usage rates.
CHARACTERISTICS : attractive to children who don’t like delayed gratification, drop-outs, absenteeism, suspension, expulsion, theft and burglary, uses are more disruptive, deviant or delinquent, chronic use appears in early and late adolescence, multiple personal and social problems, poor adjustment to work environments, multi-problem and disrupted families, varied socioeconomic conditions: impoverished, parents that do not discourage their child’s use of inhalants, lower grades, poor short term memory, lower intelligence scores, depressive disorder, antisocial personality, users have dismal or no future orientations, peers have high inhalant and drug use, and family members that are in prison.
Nearly all abused products produce effects similar to anesthetics, which slow down the body’s function. The user can experience slight stimulation, feeling of less inhibition or loss of consciousness. The user can also suffer from Sudden Sniffing Death Syndrome. This means the user can die the first, 10th or 100th time he or she uses an inhalant. Other effects include damage to the heart, kidney, brain, liver, bone marrow and other organs. Inhalants are physically and psychologically addicting and users suffer withdrawal symptoms.
If someone you know is huffing, the best thing to do is remain calm and seek help. Agitation may cause the huffer to become violent, experience hallucinations or suffer heart dysfunction. Make sure the room is well ventilated and call 911.
NATIONAL INHALANT PREVENTION COALITION : 800.269.4237
nipc@io.com
- ........There is a reason you are visiting this site. Call for an appointment.
Counseling is available 7 days a week.
http://www.codeamber.org
|
| | | | | |
|
|
|
