Inhalants (Huffing, Whippets)

Household items including solvents, or aerosol sprays that are sniffed or huffed. 1 in 5 eighth graders have sniffed inhalants to get high. Inhalants are some of the most popular and deadly drugs used by kids today.

Examples:

  • Solvents: such as paint thinners, degreasers, gasoline, glues, typewriter correction fluid, felt-tip marker fluid, nail polish remover, and electronic contact cleaners.
  • Gases: such as those from butane lighters, propane tanks, whipped cream aerosol cans or dispensers (whippets), refrigerant gases, spray paint, hair spray, deoderant spray, fabric spray, ether, chloroform, halothane, nitrous oxide (laughing gas) and any aerosol can.

Possible Positives

  • Similar feelings to those provided by anesthetics.
  • A relaxing feeling caused by the slowing down of the nervous system.
  • Intoxication for a few minutes or for several hours if taken repeatedly.

Possible Negatives

all of which could occur the first time you try inhalants.

  • Paralysis
  • Cardiac arrhythmia
  • Heart Failure
  • Suffocation preventing the absorption and distribution of oxygen
  • Inability to breathe caused by lack of oxygen
  • Hearing loss
  • Spasm of the limbs
  • Brain damage
  • Bone marrow damage
  • Liver damage
  • Kidney damage
  • Sudden death

  • Drug Topics

Related Info

Center for Substance Abuse Treatment and National Hotline
Treatment & referrals
www.samhsa.gov/csat/csat.htm
 1-800-662-4357

National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information
www.health.org
1-800-729-6686

Narcotics Anonymous World Service Office in Los Angeles
An international, community-based association, holding weekly meetings for recovering drug addicts.
(818) 773-9999 To locate your local chapter
www.na.org/links-toc.htm

Alcoholics Anonymous
Group support for your addiction to alcohol
www.alcoholics-anonymous.org

Alcoholics Anonymous Family Group Headquarters
Group support for those with family members who suffer from alcoholism
www.al-anon-alateen.org

American Cancer Society Information on quitting smoking
www.cancer.org
1-800-227-2345

Smoking, Tobacco and Health Information Line
1-800-232-1311

Tips 4 Teens - Stop Smoking Help
www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/osh/tipsteen.htm