Every year, young people in this country die of inhalant abuse. Hundreds also suffer severe consequences, including permanent brain damage, loss of muscle control, and destruction of the heart, blood, kidney, liver, and bone marrow. Today more than 1,000 different products are commonly abused. The National Institute on Drug Abuse reported in 1996 that one in five American teenagers have used inhalants to get high.
Many youngsters say they begin sniffing when they're in grade school.
Once hooked, these victims find it a tough habit to break. These questions and answers will help you identify inhalant abuse and understand what you can do to prevent or stop this problem. Sniffing can cause sickness and death. Victims may lose control of their body, including the use of arms and legs. These effects can last 15 to 45 minutes after sniffing.