The bottom line: The bottom line: If The bottom line: you know someone who uses inhalants, urge him or her to

stop or get help. If you're using inhalants—stop! The longer you ignore the

real facts, the more chances you take with your life.

It's never too late. Talk to your parents, a doctor, a counselor, a teacher, or

another adult you trust.

Do it today!

Q.Since inhalants are found in

household products, aren't they

safe?

A. No. Even though household

products like glue and air freshener have legal, useful purposes,

when they are used as inhalants

they are harmful and dangerous.

These products are not intended to

be inhaled.

Q.Doesn't it take many “huffs”

before you're in danger?

A. No. One “huff” can kill you. Or

the 10th. Or the 100th. Every huff

can be dangerous. Even if you

have huffed before without experiencing a problem, there's no way

of knowing how the next huff will

affect you.

Q. Can inhalants make me lose

control?

A. Yes. Inhalants affect your brain

and can cause you to suddenly

engage in violent, or even deadly,

behavior. You could hurt yourself

or the people you love.

Inhalants•••••

To learn more about inhalants or obtain

referrals to programs in your community, contact one of the following tollfree numbers:

SAMHSA’s National Clearinghouse

for Alcohol and Drug Information

800-729-6686

TDD 800-487-4889

linea gratis en español

877-767-8432

Curious about the TV ads of the National Youth

Anti-Drug Media Campaign? Check out the Web site at

www.freevibe.com or visit the Office of National Drug

Control Policy Web site at www.whitehousedrugpolicy.gov.
Be aware. Chemicals like amyl nitrite and isobutyl

nitrite (“poppers”) and nitrous oxide (“whippets”) are

often sold at concerts and dance clubs. They can

permanently damage your body and brain.

Know the risks. Chronic inhalant abusers may permanently lose the ability to perform everyday functions like

walking, talking, and thinking.

Look around you. The vast majority of teens aren't

using inhalants. According to a 2002 study, only 1.2

percent of teens are regular inhalant users and almost

90 percent of teens have never even tried inhalants.1

Know the Signs...

How can you tell if a friend is using inhalants?

Sometimes it’s tough to tell. But there are signs you can

look for. If your friend has one or more of the following

warning signs, he or she may be using inhalants:

• Slurred speech

• Drunk, dizzy, or dazed appearance

• Unusual breath odor

• Chemical smell on clothing

• Paint stains on body or face

• Red eyes

• Runny nose

What can you do to help someone who is using

inhalants? Be a real friend. Encourage your friend to

seek professional help. For information and referrals,

call the National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug

Information at 800-729-6686.

Inhalants••••••

Get the Facts...

Inhalants affect your brain. Inhalants are substances

or fumes from products such as glue or paint thinner

that are sniffed or "huffed" to cause an immediate high.

Because they affect your brain with much greater speed

and force than many other substances, they can cause

irreversible physical and mental damage before you

know what's happened.

Inhalants affect your heart. Inhalants starve the body

of oxygen and force the heart to beat irregularly and

more rapidly—that can be dangerous for your body.

Inhalants damage other parts of your body. People

who use inhalants can experience nausea and nosebleeds; develop liver, lung, and kidney problems; and lose

their sense of hearing or smell. Chronic use can lead to

muscle wasting and reduced muscle tone and strength.

Inhalants can cause sudden death. Inhalants can kill

you instantly. Inhalant users can die by suffocation,

choking on their vomit, or having a heart attack.

Before You Risk It...

Get the facts. Inhalants can kill you the very first time

you use them.

Stay informed. Inhalants include a large group of

chemicals that are found in such household products as

aerosol sprays, cleaning fluids, glue, paint, paint thinner,

gasoline, propane, nail polish remover, correction fluid,

and marker pens. None of these are safe to inhale—

they all can kill you.

Revised in 2004

For more information go to www.ncadi.samhsa.gov

Slang—Glue, Kick, Bang, Sniff, Huff, Poppers, Whippets, Texas Shoeshine