DrugFreeAZKids.org understands the importance of communicating with your children. We want to share the necessary tools and information with you for starting these important conversations. Talking with your child about the dangers of drugs can reduce the chance of them using by up to 50 percent. This is why we are bringing you a series of regular blog posts, each focusing on a specific drug. It will cover the drug’s common names, effects and the important details parents should know.
Today’s post in our 411 Drug Series examines inhalants.
What is it and what does it look like?
Inhalants can be anything from household cleaning products to spray paint. The vapors from these products are inhaled to produce a fast high.
Other street names?
· Nitrous oxide
· Laughing gas
· Huffing
· Whippets
· Poppers
· Bagging
What are the short- and long-term effects?
· Severe mood swings
· Decrease or loss of sense of smell and appetite
· Decrease in heart and respiratory rates
· Liver, lung and kidney damage
· Tremors and hallucinations
· Dangerous chemical imbalances in the body
· Fatigue, lack of coordination and muscle weakness
· Hepatitis or peripheral neuropathy
What every parent should know?
Products that are used as inhalants can include computer cleaner spray (compressed air), model airplane glue, nail polish remover, cleaning fluids, fabric protector, hairspray, gasoline, Freon, spray paint, cooking spray, correction fluid and the propellant in whipped cream cans.
The mission of DrugFreeAZKids.org is to provide parents with the information they need to educate their kids about dangerous substances. In addition to this blog series, we offer other valuable tools, such as webinars and evidence-based workshops to help parents raise healthy, drug-free children.
To learn more about how to prevent drug and alcohol use by teens, visit DrugFreeAZKids.org.
