OK! So what is it? It’s a chemical that affects the brain just like any other drug. Inhalants refer to substances that are either sniffed or huffed to give the user an immediate “head rush” or feeling of being high. They also come in such forms as aerosols and cleaning solvents. According to a recent study done by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, inhalant use among all grades has risen steadily over the last few years. Nearly 20 percent of all adolescents report using inhalants at least once in their lives. Current use is highest among eighth and ninth graders. Inhalant use can cause a number of physical and emotional problems, and even one-time use can result in death. Educate yourself and then ask the question: Don't you have better things to do than sniff glue?

USING INHALANTS EVEN ONE TIME CAN PUT YOU AT RISK FOR:

• sudden death

• suffocation

• visual hallucinations and severe mood swings

• numbness and tingling of the hands and feet

PROLONGED USE CAN RESULT IN:

• headache, muscle weakness, abdominal pain

• decrease or loss of sense or smell

• nausea and nosebleeds

• hepatitis

• violent behavior

• irregular heartbeat

• liver, lung, and kidney impairment

• brain damage

• damage to the central nervous system

• dangerous chemical imbalances in the body which could bring on depression

• lose control of your bladder and bowel movements

HOW CAN YOU POSSIBLY DIE FROM USING INHALANTS?

According to medical experts, death can occur in at least five ways:

• Asphyxia - solvent gases can significantly limit available oxygen in the air, causing breathing to stop

• Suffocation - typically seen with inhalant users who use bags

• Choking on your own vomit

• Careless and dangerous behaviors in potentially dangerous settings

• Sudden sniffing death syndrome, presumably from cardiac arrest.

ARE INHALANTS ADDICTIVE?

When inhalant use continues over a period of time, a user will probably develop a tolerance to them. This means the use will need more frequent use and greater amounts of substance to achieve the same desired “high”. This, in turn, leaves the user at a much greater risk of liver, ling and kidney damage as well as damage to the nervous system and even the risk of death.

Physical dependence can also result in withdrawal symptoms when the user tries to give up the habit. Hallucination, headaches, chills, delirium tremors, and stomach cramps are some of the withdrawal symptoms that may occur until the body has completely cleaned itself of the chemical pollution.

If you or someone you know has a habit of using inhalants, there is help available. Talk to a school counselor , a friend, or a parent. Help others help themselves!

EDUCATE YOURSELF FIRST, AND REMEMBER - IT’S A LOT MORE THAN JUST GLUE!



My goal is very simple: by sharing the experiences I have had, I would like to help kids grow up to achieve their own personal best without drugs and alcohol.
Bob Lapete, founder of SCAR

Need more information? Contact Bob.
Email: info@scarweb.org