It is not unusual to see elementary and middle school-age youth sniffing or huffing. Inhalants are easy found with gas tanks in boats, four-wheelers and snow-gos. In addition to gas, young people sniff household products, like cleaning supplies.
Signs of Use There is a common link between inhalant abuse and problems in school – failing grades, chronic absences and general apathy. Other signs include : Paint or stains on body, clothing, rags or bags Spots or
sores around the mouth Red or runny eyes or nose Chemical breath odor Drunk, dazed or dizzy appearance Nausea, loss of appetite Anxiety, excitability, irritability Restlessness or unexplained moodiness and anger Missing household items Slurred or disoriented
speech |
Someone who is high from sniffing looks and acts like they are drunk. Once someone sniffs their body becomes starved of oxygen. This forces their heart to beat more rapidly. Many huffers experience headaches, nausea, vomiting, slurred speech, loss of coordination, and wheezing.
|
If you know someone who is huffing, get them help before they kill themselves.
YKHC McCann Center in Bethel can help people. Their phone number is 543– 6800. If you don’t have a phone you can use, go to the school counselor and ask them to call the McCann center for you.
|
