According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, about 2.2 million individuals aged 12 and older have used inhalants in the past 12 months (2021 DT 1.11). Inhalant abuse is more prevalent among adolescents and young adults, especially those who face poverty, trauma, or social marginalization.
The best way to prevent inhalant abuse is to detect it early and intervene before it becomes a chronic problem. That is why we have created this inhalant abuse assessment tool for parents. This tool will help you identify the signs and symptoms of inhalant abuse in your child.
What is inhalant abuse?
Inhalant abuse is the deliberate inhalation of volatile substances that produce chemical vapors that can alter the state of mind. Inhalants are not drugs in the conventional sense, but rather everyday products that are misused for their intoxicating effects. There are more than 1,000 products that can be abused as inhalants, such as:
- Volatile Solvents: Liquids like paint thinners, nail polish removers, glues, gasoline, and lighter fluid.
- Aerosols: Sprays with propellants and solvents, such as spray paints, hair sprays, deodorants, and whipped cream dispensers.
- Gases: Medical anesthetics or household/commercial products containing gases, like nitrous oxide, ether, chloroform, propane, butane, and refrigerants.
- Nitrites: Chemicals dilating blood vessels, such as amyl nitrite and butyl nitrite, often used as sexual enhancers.
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Importance of Early Detection
Inhalant abuse can have severe consequences for your child’s physical and mental health, including interference with the normal functioning of the nervous system, leading to brain damage, memory loss, learning difficulties, impaired judgment, and behavioral problems. Other potential impacts include:
- Cardiovascular Effects: Irregular heartbeat, low blood pressure, and cardiac arrest.
- Respiratory Issues: Coughing, wheezing, asthma, pneumonia, and respiratory failure.
- Organ Damage: Harm to the liver and kidneys, causing hepatitis, cirrhosis, renal failure, and toxic shock syndrome.
The longer your child engages in inhalant abuse, the higher the risk of developing these serious health problems. Timely detection is crucial, prompting professional help, such as counseling, medication, detoxification, and rehabilitation. Early intervention not only prevents further damage but also improves your child’s chances of recovery. Use our assessment tool for early detection.
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Strategies To Overcome Inhalant Abuse
To communicate effectively with your children about inhalant abuse, you can use the following strategies:
- Provide clear and accurate information about sources, methods, effects, and risks of inhalants.
- Help children recognize warning signs and promote responsible use of household items.
- Discuss the impact of peer pressure and media influence on decision-making.
- Equip children with skills to resist negative influences and make informed choices.
- Foster a supportive environment for questions and concerns, offering honest and respectful feedback.
- Praise positive behavior and achievements, expressing confidence in their abilities.
- Suggest positive alternatives to inhalant use, such as hobbies, sports, or club.
Consequences of Inhalant Abuse
It’s crucial to recognize the diverse products involved and the potential serious health consequences associated with inhalant abuse.
Consequences may include:
- Euphoria, excitement, or happiness.
- Hallucinations, delusions, or distorted perceptions.
- Drowsiness, dizziness, or lightheadedness.
- Slurred speech, impaired judgment, or reduced coordination.
- Nausea, vomiting, or loss of appetite.
- Headache, nosebleed, or sore throat.
- Agitation, irritability, or aggression.
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Final Thoughts
Inhalant abuse is a serious concern among children, involving the inhalation of common household substances for psychoactive effects, resulting in severe and irreversible damage to vital organs. The associated risks include addiction, mental disorders, and even death. We recommend using our assessment tool as it facilitates the identification of signs and symptoms of inhalant abuse to parents.
Additional Resources
If you need more information or support, you can explore the following resources: