Nearly 15% of 8th-graders have abused inhalents.
Inhalants are substances or fumes from certain products like spray paints and glues that are sniffed to cause a high. Sniffing directly from an open container or breathing in (huffing) from a chemical-soaked rag are common methods of inhalant abuse.
In 2009, nearly 68% of first-time inhalant users were under the age of 18 (National Survey on Drug Use and Health). Inhalant users should beware, however. Sudden Sniffing Death Syndrome can occur on the first try or during any attempt to abuse inhalants.
Chronic use of inhalants can lead to liver and kidney damage, as well as memory lapses and loss of higher thinking capacity.
Call NC Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 or chat from this site for further treatment advice.
