Inhalant Abuse is a Growing Problem

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Inhalants! Or by its street term, huffing. Huffing is a fast growing problem among our youth and military members. They are using common chemicals that are found around our homes, schools, and places of work to achieve a very dangerous high. From the information you are about to hear, you will be able to better understand and become aware of what huffing abuse is, what the symptoms are, and what the consequences of abuse are. Inhalant abuse is extremely dangerous, as parents and military leaders we must educate ourselves to learn the warning signs.

First we need to understand what classifies an inhalant and then we can improve our understanding of what to watch for. The warning signs of inhalants could include constantly running out of a specific cleaning agent, always needing to fill the gas can for the lawn equipment, or never finding the canned whipped cream that was just bought. According to Teen Health (2010), inhalants are classified into four categories; volatile solvents, aerosols, gases, and nitrites (used as sexual enhancers). Substances that fall under these categories are items such as paint thinners and felt-tip markers; spray paint and hairspray; canned whip cream (nitrous oxide) and refrigerant. According to Neuroscience for Kids (n.d), “nitrous oxide was discovered in 1776 by Sir Joseph Priestley and in 1799; Sir Humphrey Davy suggested that nitrous oxide could be used during surgery to reduce pain.” As you can see inhalants isn’t something new.

When I was young, I had a good friend that liked to do inhalants because they were readily available and they provide a quick and cheap high. The inhalant that he favored was gasoline and permanent markers; the method that he used to get “high” was huffing...

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...and effects of using inhalants to get high. Without the education they need, we are setting them up for disappointment and we are failing at our jobs of raising a better future.

In conclusion, we need to be better educated on what is happening in the world of drugs so we can have a better defense for our children and subordinates. Being in the military, constantly receiving education training on such matters has made it common knowledge, but parents and teachers must understand and be better educated on what is happening with our children and possibly even our co-workers. The Department of Defense and state authorities have recognized the problems of inhalant abuse and have enacted laws to combat this issue. So to be able to prevent or help someone that is abusing, it is imperative that we understand the warning signs and the side effects of inhalant abuse.

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