Paint Huffing

Paint Huffing: When people abuse inhalants such as paints the term used is "huffing." This is an extremely dangerous way to get high and what makes it even more deadly is the fact that access to these products is legal, cheap, and plentiful, even for young teens. As a result, this has become quite popular amongst this particular group. One of the main reasons that this is so well liked is because it offers an instant high; unfortunately that instant high is a result of the extremely potent and dangerous chemicals that are released into the brain from the chemicals that are in the paint and these other inhalant abusing substances. So strong are these chemicals that they are known for causing comas and even death. In fact, thousands die annually from paint huffing.

Both physically and mentally, paint huffing can lead to permanent damage. This means that it is very important that the signs of paint huffing can be spotted. Educators and parents alike must be educated to spot a potential problem. People that might be paint huffing would likely act as if they are drunk, they also might have paint on the face or hands for no reason, they would likely have bloodshot eyes, and chemical smelling breath. You might notice also that they have paint or some of these other items in pe culiar places.

The items that can be used for paint huffing are most often products that can be found in most household garages or basements easily and without arousing suspicion. In addition to paint huffing many will also use anything that is aerosol, paint thinners, propane gasoline, and even various office supplies such as the solvents that blow air into crevices of the computer to clean them.

Physically, paint huffing will cause health problems that affect the heart, lungs, kidney and liver. Mentally, paint huffing literally fries the brain causing massive depression, isolation, hyperactivity, apathetic, withdrawn, socially deficient, a loss of interest in most things, and a change in behavior that displays violence.

Paint huffing is most attractive to, although not exclusively, teens from age twelve and up. Inpatient treatment is required to treat this devastating addiction. There are a variety of treatment methods that can be used that include inpatient treatment, individual and group therapy, and possibly medication as a wrap around treatment. The withdrawal process can be lengthy and must be facilitated by a trained and qualified physician.

It is expected that the number of people that engage in paint huffing is much higher than reports do indicate and the primary reason for this is because so little is really known about paint huffing, even by police and other law enforcement officials. For this reason the problem has greatly escalated.

There are a number of ways that people actually huff and actually the methods for being sneaky and inconspicuous also get cleverer. Middle school and high school students have been known to saturate the sleeve or collar of their clothing so that they can huff secretly while they are in class. When paint huffing, the fumes are inhaled deeply via the nose and/or mouth. Spraying the product into a bag or a balloon and inhaling the fumes or even soaking a cloth and breathing it in that way can also do this process.

Paint huffing is the 3rd most popular substance abused by teens in the US, followed by marijuana and alcohol, respectively. Both males and females are equally like to engage in paint huffing but it is most prevalent around the ages of 14-15. Paint huffing is most popular among Caucasians followed by Latino and African Americans. Huffing is also more often found in households with higher income levels as opposed to lower.

If you suspect that someone you care about might be abusing inhalants or paint huffing it is extremely crucial that you seek help right away. Each time that they inhale those toxic fumes they are literally one step closer to death. Don't ignore the warning signs...if something does not seem right then check it out and be sure. Because paint huffing is more common among adolescents and teens is even more of a reason for early detection. Prevention measures have increased but not enough to stop the problem of paint huffing from growing.

Battling this won't be easy but we are here to help! In a controlled setting we offer recovery, sobriety, and the chance at living a long and healthy life that is worth living. Take that first step. You and your loved one will never regret this phone call.

Genesis House Inc. is a leader in addiction treatment and have helped thousands of people recover from the devastating consequences of their addictions. Call 1-800-737-0933 or 561-439-4070 for immediate help and answers. More information is available on our web site http://www.genesishouse.net or please email us at info@genesishouse.net