Treatment for Inhalant Abuse

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, young children and adolescents most often abuse inhalants. As a 2011 Monitoring the Future study found, approximately 13 percent of 8^th graders reported having abused an inhalant in their lifetime, compared to approximately 7.5 percent of 12^th graders.

The 2013 National Survey on Drug Use and Health offers another reliable indication of the extent of inhalant abuse in America. According to the survey, 563,000 Americans ages 12 or older had taken an inhalant for the first time within the last 12 months of the survey. To further break down the picture of inhalant intake, the study showed that 0.5 percent of those in the 12-17 age group were current users of inhalants. Inhalants are the only drug type that is abused more by younger teenagers than older teenagers.

The study further revealed that among youth aged 12-13 and 14-15, 0.6 percent used inhalants in the month prior to the survey. In the 16-17 age group, inhalant use dropped down to 0.3 percent. Similarly, 0.3 percent of Americans in the 18-25 age category were current users of inhalants.

Inhalants can be consumed in different ways, which is a testament to the dangerous ingenuity of young children and teens who abuse these drugs. Intake methods include:

• Huffing: breathing in vapors hard through the nose or mouth
• Sniffing or snorting directly from the toxin’s container
• Spraying an aerosol directly into the mouth or up the nose
• Placing a toxin-soaked rag in the mouth
• Inhaling fumes from a closed source like a balloon or plastic/paper bag

The prevalence of inhalant abuse among youth necessitates that parents be aware of their dangers and side effects. Although these drugs are derived from products that can be found under almost any kitchen sink or tool closet in America, when abused they can be deadly.

The fast-acting nature of inhalants contributes to their danger. Given the easy access of toxic substances including aerosols, gases and nitrates, inhalant users may use these intoxicants frequently and in rapid succession. Short-term side effects of inhalant use can include:

• Headaches
• Mood swings
• Violent behavior
• Slurred speech
• Muscle weakness

While some inhalant abusers may only experiment with inhalants, others may become long-term users. The potential long-term effects of inhalant use are numerous and can include:

• Liver and kidney damage
• Hearing loss
• Spasms
• Brain damage

With successive use, an inhalant abuser may self-induce psychosis, including hallucinations. Loss of consciousness may also occur. Inhalant abusers, given their often young age and inability to understand the implications of their actions, frequently fail to comprehend the perils of consuming toxins.

Inhalant abusers are vulnerable to sudden sniffing death syndrome (SSDS). This fatal condition can occur during the first use or any time thereafter. There are numerous products that can trigger this syndrome but particularly hazardous items include butane, air-conditioning coolant, and some aerosol sprays. SSDS occurs when an inhalant causes a quickening of the heartbeat, resulting in cardiac arrest.