An Intense, Destructive Habit Adolescents under the effect of inhalants often appear drunk, with a staggering, dazed look about them. The smell of chemicals on breath or clothing, or paint stains around the face, nose or hands, can also indicate that a person has been inhaling substances. NPs who encounter a huffer still under the influence should immediately get the person to a well-ventilated area, Weiss taking care not to excite the patient, since agitation could cause sudden sniffing death syndrome. Children who regularly engage in inhalant abuse often show signs even when they're not under the influence. Regular chemical irritation can cause red, watery eyes, a swollen nose, or sores around the nose or mouth.
Users often experience weight loss and changes in personality.
That could indicate a substance abuse problem. Encouraging adolescents to experience the natural highs that come from peer group activities rather than destructive, drug-induced highs should be an automatic for every NP working with the age group. But if a provider senses an inhalant abuse problem, it's her professional responsibility to address it specifically. Talk on the adolescents' level, and use their terminology when bringing up the subject. And don't hesitate to take the problem elsewhere.