Bang
| Prevention Times |
| “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” ~ Nelson Mandela |
| Contributed By: Laura Jacquays Prevention specialist |
| Herkimer County Prevention Council 61 West Street Ilion NY 13357 Ph: 315-894-8080 Fax:: 315-894-6313 www.herkimercountyprevention.org Office Hours: Monday – Friday 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. |
Sponsored by Catholic Charities of Herkimer County an Agency of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Albany
Past Issues of Prevention Times: May 09 Prom Jun 09 Graduation July 09 Boating Safety Aug 09 Binge Drinking Sep 09 Alcohol & Brain Development
Oct 09 Salvia Nov 09 Children of Alcoholics Dec 09 Responsible Partying January 10 Abuse of Cough Medicine
Oct 09 Salvia Nov 09 Children of Alcoholics Dec 09 Responsible Partying January 10 Abuse of Cough Medicine
Resources:
www.samhsa.gov
www.inhalant.org
www.samhsa.gov
www.inhalant.org
The Truth About: INHALANTS
| February 2010 Issue 34 |
Huff / Huffing
What are Inhalants?
Inhalants are substances or fumes from products such as glue, paint thinner, computer cleaner, hairspray, nail polish
removers, whipped cream cans, gasoline, aerosol cans, correction fluid, and marker pens. The fumes are sniffed or
“huffed” to cause an immediate high. Inhalants can cause a number of physical and emotional problems, and even one time use
can result in DEATH!
Inhalants are substances or fumes from products such as glue, paint thinner, computer cleaner, hairspray, nail polish
removers, whipped cream cans, gasoline, aerosol cans, correction fluid, and marker pens. The fumes are sniffed or
“huffed” to cause an immediate high. Inhalants can cause a number of physical and emotional problems, and even one time use
can result in DEATH!
How can you die from using Inhalants?
- asphyxia – solvent gases can significantly limit available oxygen in
the air causing breathing to stop
- suffocation- typically seen with inhalant users who use bags
- choking on vomit
- careless and dangerous behaviors in potentially dangerous settings
- sudden sniffing death syndrome, presumably from cardiac arrest
- asphyxia – solvent gases can significantly limit available oxygen in
the air causing breathing to stop
- suffocation- typically seen with inhalant users who use bags
- choking on vomit
- careless and dangerous behaviors in potentially dangerous settings
- sudden sniffing death syndrome, presumably from cardiac arrest
What are the possible effects associated with using Inhalants?
Short term- headache, muscle weakness, abdominal pain, hallucinations, severe mood swings, numbness and tingling of feet
and hands, violent behavior, sudden death, suffocation, involuntary passing of urine and feces, heart palpitations,
breathing difficulty, and dizziness
Long term – brain damage, liver, lung and kidney impairment, nervous system damage and paralysis, decrease or loss of sense
of smell, and dangerous chemical imbalances in the body
Short term- headache, muscle weakness, abdominal pain, hallucinations, severe mood swings, numbness and tingling of feet
and hands, violent behavior, sudden death, suffocation, involuntary passing of urine and feces, heart palpitations,
breathing difficulty, and dizziness
Long term – brain damage, liver, lung and kidney impairment, nervous system damage and paralysis, decrease or loss of sense
of smell, and dangerous chemical imbalances in the body
What are the signs to look for?
- slurred speech
- drunk, dizzy, or dazed appearance
- unusual breath odor
- chemical smell on clothing
- paint stains on body or face
- red eyes
- runny nose
- slurred speech
- drunk, dizzy, or dazed appearance
- unusual breath odor
- chemical smell on clothing
- paint stains on body or face
- red eyes
- runny nose
| What can you do if you think someone is using Inhalants? If you suspect someone is using inhalants urge them to get professional help. |
Glue
Kick
Sniff
Poppers
Whippets
Dusting
What can be done to prevent Inhalant abuse?
increase knowledge of consequences, dangers
restrict access and availability
raise awareness of the issue
increase knowledge of consequences, dangers
restrict access and availability
raise awareness of the issue
"Bagging" is the process of putting mothballs in a bag and
then inhaling from it for about 10 minutes.
"Whippets" describes the process of getting high from
nitrous oxide- i.e. whipped cream dispensers.
"Dusting" is inhaling compressed "air" from sprays used for
cleaning computer keyboards, etc.
Bagging