Inhalants are everywhere in the house and even in the schools that our children go to. When you go shopping, most likely you have bought inhalants. As a parent, it is vital to learn about inhalants before your children do so.
Many parents are not aware that inhalants have become popular with children, and they can cause grave danger in their lives. Many children have turned to using household products as agents to get high because they are cheap, easy to hide, and easy to obtain. According to recent surveys, children are inhaling dangerous household products, and it is becoming a common problem that is quickly spreading throughout the country. Inhalants have become as popular as marijuana with the young generation. More and more young children are using inhalants, and by the time students are reaching the eighth grade, one in five has already used an inhalant.
What does inhalant usage entail?
Inhalant use entails intentional breathing in vapors or gases to get high. Inhalants are everyday products that are useful in completing household chores, but people can misuse them. Most people are conversant with these products since they include glue, paint, and many other products. However, many people do not know that these everyday day products can cause danger when inhaled. Things such as spray paint, typewriter correction fluid, air fresheners, air conditioning refrigerant, cooking spray, felt tip markers, and butane, among others, can be dangerous when inhaled.
People at risk of inhalant abuse
We can term inhalant use as substance abuse, and according to statistics, young students have shown to have the highest use of inhalants. Inhalant abuse causes the body to slow down its functions, just like other controlled substances do. The other symptoms that can be experienced after inhalant abuse include loss of consciousness and slight stimulation. Some inhalants can also cause sudden sniffing death syndrome. Sudden sniffing death syndrome means that a user can die from inhalant abuse. Inhalant abuse can cause damages to the kidneys, liver, brain, heart, and other organs.
The damages caused to the body organs are long term, and they cannot be easily reversed by just taking vitamin supplements. When inhalants are used during pregnancy, the baby can have symptoms similar to those of fetal alcohol syndrome. Inhalants are psychologically and physically addicting and can cause a user to suffer withdrawal symptoms.
What to do if someone is huffing and is in a crisis
If someone is in a crisis and is huffing, the best thing to do is to keep calm and look for help. Anxiety can cause violence from the huffer, hallucinations, and in worst-case scenarios, sudden death if the heart stops functioning correctly. Ensure that the room is appropriately aired and contact medical help immediately. You can administer CPR as you wait for medical assistance. When the patient has recovered, he or she should undergo counseling and professional help.
Treatment options for inhalant users
It is hard to find facilities treating inhalant users. Most of the inhalant users experience relapses and may require a lot of time to detoxify their bodies. Inhalant users also suffer withdrawal symptoms that can include nausea, hallucinations, muscle cramps, hand tremors, headaches, excessive sweating, and chills. Anyone who is addicted to an inhalant needs follow-up treatment. Look for an institution in your locality that can give more guidance and treatment on inhalant abuse.
Dealing with inhalant use in children and students
Every parent should educate their child about the dangers of inhalants as early as possible before it is too late. Do not ignore the fact that your child can get hooked to inhalants. Inhalants are poisonous and toxic, and children need to learn this early enough. Depending on the age of your child, it is vital to teach him/her about the dangers of inhaling poisonous home products to get high. Every parent wants the best for their child. You should know that many children are abusing inhalants, and probably your child is one of them.
How can the community learn about inhalants?
There are sensitization campaigns held annually, and they can be an effective tool to educate the community about inhalant abuse. Through these campaigns, people are enlightened about inhalant abuse. This has led to a decrease in inhalant abuse.