What is inhalant abuse?
An inhalant can be almost any aerosol or liquid solvent. Oven cleaner, model glue, spray paint, correction fluid, paint thinner, and polyurethane are just a few of the household products that young people may try to inhale. They breathe in the fumes of the product directly from its container (“snorting”). Or they soak a rag in the product, put the rag over their nose, and inhale (“huffing”). Or they pour the product into a bag, which they hold over their mouth and nose while they inhale the fumes (“bagging”). Who may be abusing inhalants? The most common abusers of inhalants are teenagers, especially those who are 12 to 15 years old. Inhalants are easy to get because they are not illegal—and they are cheap. Often, teenagers try inhalants before they try alcohol, marijuana, or cigarettes. How do I tell if my child is using inhalants to get high? It may be hard to recognize the signs of inhalant abuse. Teenagers who use inhalants may have chapped lips or faces, paint stains on their hand
