The use of inhalants is a growing problem among teenagers. Inhaling, also called "huffing," can severely damage someone. Teenagers aren't the only ones subject to its influence. Adult use is on the rise and younger kids are getting into it. These deadly substances are not something that you have to buy off the street. These are everyday products found in your home. The ease of accessibility is scary since things like paint, markers, and glue are used to get high.
Inhalant use refers to breathing in the vapors a substance gives off. The sole purpose is to get high. Surprisingly, these inhalants are legal. Things like markers and even cooking spray can be found in any local grocery store. It's uses like huffing that cause these items to be misused. Inhalant use is not something that only a few people pick up on either. By the time a person reaches 8th grade, one in five will have used inhalants. Statistics show that young, white males have the highest usage rates. Hispanic and American Indian populations are close behind.
The effects of inhalant use are many. Almost all the abused products offer effects similar to those of anesthetics, which are slowing down the body functions. Depending upon the dosage, the user may feel a slight stimulation, less inhibition, or lose consciousness altogether. There is also something called Sudden Sniffing Death Syndrome. This means that the user can die after one inhalant use or after many. Immediate effects inhalants offer are nausea, sneezing, coughing, nosebleeds, feeling/looking tired, bad breath, lack of coordination, and loss of appetite. There is considerable damage to ones heart, kidney, brain, liver, bone marrow, and other organs. Mothers who use inhalants during their pregnancy will leave their baby to suffer similar results of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. There are many long terms effects as well. Permanent brain damage can occur. A person doesn't even have to be doing it for very long before the brain starts to get clogged.