And inhalants were found to be the 3rd most abused substance, behind tobacco and alcohol, in the 12-14 year old age group, per the National Institute on Drug Abuse. A California physician, who lost his 13 year old son to huffing spray-can propellants said he knew more about inhalants than most parents, yet there were important things he didn't know. I didn't know about Sudden Sniffing Death. I didn't know about the brain damage. He also said he didn't know it was habituating, and that it wouldn't be easy for his son to stop.
Kids can die from abusing inhalants repeatedly, or even just once.
I see a lot of kids coming into court in all kinds of trouble and all kinds of problems. The one group of kids that scares me the most are kids using inhalants, or huffing as they call it. Chemical smell on child or child's clothing Correction fluid on nose, fingers, or clothing Markers in pockets Red eyes, nonsensical talk, irritability 'Drunk' appearance, slurred speech Unusual breath odor Decreased appetite Frequent headaches Sores around mouth Lack of concentration Low grades, school absences Meth - The Equal Opportunity Destroyer Crystal meth, crank, speed, glass, ice . . . Typically, it is found in powder or crystallized forms and can be smoked, inhaled, eaten or shot-up intravenously. Users are referred to as 'tweakers'.