Parent Overview

Inhalant Abuse refers to the deliberate inhalation or sniffing of fumes, vapors or gases from common household products for the purpose of getting high. Inhalant Abuse is an often-overlooked form of substance abuse, but it is no les dangerous than abusing drugs or alcohol. In fact, children can die the first time they intentionally inhale a product to get high. This is called Sudden Sniffing Death Syndrome.

Abusing Inhalants can kill and cause brain, liver, kidney damage or lead to the use of illegal drugs or alcohol.

Parent Training Website

Parents can complete Inhalant Abuse training at http://www.inhalantabusetraining.org/kentucky.html

Tips for Talking To Your Children

Talking to Children (6 - 11 Years Old)

Discuss the purpose of common household products. Emphasize that whey they are not use appropriately, certain fumes or gases may harm the body and make them sick.

Discuss what fumes are and what effects they may have on a healthy body.
Play a game, "Is is safe to smell or touch?"
Read product labels together. Discuss directions.
Suggest opening windows or fans when products call for proper ventilation.
Teach by example - show your child that you follow product directions.
Monitor your child's activities and friends.
Look for "teachable moments."

Talking Tough with Teens

According to national surveys, more than 2 million kids aged 12 - 17 have used some form of an inhalant to get high.

Ask your teen what they know about Inhalants.
Do they have friends who use Inhalants?
Ask if they know the physical damage that can occur from sniffing?
- Damage to brain, liver, lungs, kidneys.
- Loss of memory and smell
- Death - even the very first time
Tell your child that the consequences of abusing products are as dangerous as those of abusing alcohol or using illegal drugs.
Let them known that sniffing products to get high is not the way to fit in. Help them address peer pressure. It may seem harmless, but it can come with a deadly cost.
Be absolutely clear - emphasize that unsafe actions and risky behavior have severe consequences.
Encourage your child to come to you, or a teacher, clergy, counselor, coach or adult friend if they have questions or concerns.
Monitor their activities and know their friends. Be a good listener and set limits.
Seize communication opportunities.

In Case of Emergency

If you find your child unconscious or you suspect your child may be under the influence of an Inhalant:

Call 911 immediatley.
Keep child calm, reduce cardiac stress
Try to determine the source of the Inhalant so medical professionals can help more quickly.

If you suspect your child might be using Inhalants, call your poison control center at 1-800-222-1222 or the 1-800 number on the label of the product.

More Information

What Are The Effects of Inhalant Abuse?

Sniffing can cause sickness and death. For example, victims may become nauseated, forgetful, and unable to see things clearly. Victims may lose control of their body, including the use of arms and legs. The effects can last 15 - 45 minutes after sniffing.

In addition, sniffing can severely damage many parts of the body, including the brain, heart, liver and kidneys. Even worse, victims can die suddenly - without any warning.

How Can You Tell If A Young Person Is Abusing Inhalants?

If someone is an inhalant abuser, some of all of these symptoms may be evident:

Unusual breath odor or chemical odor on clothing.
Slurred or disoriented speech.
Drunk, dazed or dizzy appearance.
Signs of paint or other products where they wouldn't normally be (i.e. the face, or fingers).
Red or runny eyes or nose.
Spots or sores around the mouth.
Nausea and/or loss of apetite.
Chronic inhalant abusers ma exhibit such symptoms as anxiety, excitability, irritability or restlessness.

There is no typical profile of an inhalant abuser. Victims are both male and female and come from families of all income levels throughout the U.S. It's not unusual to see elementary and middle-school age youths involved with inhalant abuse.