Effects of Huffing

The effects of huffing are fatal and inhalant abuse is rampant across the US. This represents only what is reported and known about. A great deal of inhalant abuse goes unreported because there is not a lot known about how to identify this type of abuse. What is known is that the largest number of inhalant abusers is the adolescent and teen age groups and that there are a huge number of chemical substances that are used for inhaling the chemical substances. The effects of huffing are an instant but short lived high that delivers euphoric feelings but because that feeling does not last long more and more of the chemicals must be inhaled to attain that same high. This is why inhalant abuse is so dangerous; it causes brain damage and very often, death.   

One thing that helps this problem to thrive is that there are literally thousands of household products that can be used for huffing. These chemicals fall into different categories but all bring forth the same effects of huffing. Volatile solvents such as gasoline paint thinner, glue, nail polish remover, and even certain markers are available in most all households and these are often used for huffing. Aerosols such as spray paint, hair spray, deodorant, and cooking sprays are also found around the home and these are favorites of adolescent huffers. Gases from butane lighters or propane tanks and the gases that derive from such items as whipped cream spray cans are also commonly used.

According to the 2000 National Household Survey on Drug Abuse, during the decade of 1990 to 1999, inhalant abuse rose over 150% with the age group of 12-17 years of age. 20% of all eighth graders have huffed on at least one occasion. However, at no time should the fact that adults engage in huffing ever be taken lightly as many do and the effects of huffing are just as detrimental for them.

The effects of huffing are similar to being intoxicated on alcohol. The chemicals in these solvents that are huffed cause the user to become dizzy, hallucinate, become irritable, have impaired judgment, delusional, and to be belligerent. The long term effects of huffing also include weakened muscles, lack of coordination, depression, weight loss, and the inability to pay attention.  More serious and often irreversible effects of huffing include kidney, heart, liver, lung, and brain damage. The effects of huffing go even greater causing permanent loss of memory, loss of hearing, loss of coordination, and loss of concentration.

The chemicals that are used for huffing are toxic poisons. As soon as they are inhaled they rush directly into the bloodstream. Once this happens there are a number of things that can go wrong, including an immediate cardiac arrest. Many have died from the effects of huffing in ways that they likely never even considered to be possible such as by suffocating or choking. The instant that a person inhales the chemicals from huffing they penetrate the brain.

There is no doubt that inhalant abuse is very risky but many people choose to believe that the risks are not as great with huffing as they are with illicit drug use and this is incorrect since huffing attacks the central nervous system and often does cause death. Every year people die from huffing and the numbers continue to grow. The fact that sudden death is possible from just one time use of inhalants should never be underestimated.

Treatment for inhalant abuse is generally quite successful mostly due to the fact that the most common age group is still young enough to be dealt with effectively. Treatment options for inhalant abuse include inpatient treatment, individual and group therapy, and often medication. Inpatient treatment is likely so that qualified doctors can assist in the detox process that can be a rather lengthy process depending on how severe the huffing problem is. Counselors work one on one with the patients in inpatient treatment to help them through the treatment process. Group therapy is always helpful as it is important for inhalant abusers to understand that they are not alone and that many other people suffer from the very same addiction. Medication may be used to manage anger or depression.

If you recognize the effects of huffing in a loved one then you need to help them, seek treatment right away. Some of the exclusive and telltale signs are bloodshot and runny eyes, confusion, personality changes, erratic behavior, and chemical smelling breath. It is easy to mistake the symptoms for being drunk. Treatment for inhalant abuse is available by professionals that are specialized in treating this problem. We are here to help you, all you have to do is pick up the phone.

Genesis House is a leader in Addiction treatment and has helped thousands of people recover from their devastating addictions. Call 1-800-737-0933 for immediate help and answers. More information is available online at http://www.genesishouse.net/ or by email info@genesishouse.net