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 hands and clothes, runny noses, a funny odor on their breath, or bloodshot eyes. They may complain of headaches, dizziness, trouble remembering things, trouble sleeping, or vision problems. Why should I worry about inhalant abuse? Inhaling solvents can cause sudden death because the heart stops. It also can be the cause of fires, falls, car crashes, and drownings. Inhalants block oxygen flow to the brain and every other organ in the body. Continued abuse can kill your child as a result of slow damage to every organ. If your child abuses inhal
