Teen substance abuse has become a growing problem, but the substances which are now being abused by young people are no longer illicit drugs and alcohol. These days, most adolescents are getting high on legal substances which are cheaper and easier to get than the usual suspects—inhalants. If you are a parent and you think your child might be using inhalants, do not hesitate to get help from an addiction hotline.

Make Addiction Hotline Your Source of Inhalant Abuse Information

The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) describes inhalants as “a diverse group of volatile substances whose chemical vapors can be inhaled to produce psychoactive effects.” These are common household products safe for purposes of cleaning and painting, among others. However, when sniffed, these are very dangerous. Examples of inhalants include glue, correction fluid, spray paints, paint thinners and removers, as well as gasoline.

In an American Family Physician article, it was said that inhalant abuse was a prevalent yet overlooked form of adolescent substance abuse. This is not surprising, as parents are usually clueless about their teens’ inhalant use. They do not think ordinary household products are to blame for their kids’ substance abuse. You can call an addiction hotline if you want to learn more about inhalants and inhalant abuse.

Call Addiction Hotline to Learn More About Warning Signs

How would you know if your teen is abusing inhalants? According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, there are symptoms you must watch out for. These include:

• bloodshot eyes or runny nose

• spots/sores around the mouth

• traces of paint or other products in fingers or face

• chemical odors on clothes and breath

• slurred speech

• irritability, restlessness and anxiety

You may call an addiction hotline to learn more warning signs and telltale behaviors of teen inhalant abuse.

Call Addiction Hotline to Get Help for Your Teen

If you are sure your teen is getting high on inhalants, do not delay calling for help. Speak to a counselor from an addiction hotline and ask for advice. Inhalants are more than just hazardous—they are deadly. Young healthy people can die even when using inhalants for the first time. Sudden Sniffing Death Syndrome, usually associated with the inhalation of butane and aerosol chemicals, causes cardiac arrest. Inhalant abusers may also die due to suffocation.

Save your teen’s life and get help now. We can provide the information, resources and support you need for your teen’s recovery. Our services are free and available round the clock.