|
Resources
for Parents and Friends of Abusers
- Signs
of Possible Inhalant Abuse
- What
To Do When Someone is Sniffing or Huffing
- Where
to Go for Help
Sniffing
or huffing inhalants is horribly debilitating and damaging.
Unfortunately, these substances are so common and numerous
that there is no way to keep them away from young people.
Giving young people the real information about how harmful
these chemicals are is the best way to prevent their abuse.
In this case, knowledge really is power.
Signs
of Possible Inhalant Abuse
If
you suspect someone you know may have a problem with inhalants,
approach the person calmly. Find a quiet time when the person
seems to be sober. Be honest and straightforward, but not
accusatory. Your goal in this situation would be to get the
person into treatment, not to express your own disappointment
or anger.
If
you are worried about inhalant abuse in someone you care about,
here are some signs to look for:
- Paint
or stains on body or clothing
- Spots
or sores around the mouth
- Red
or runny nose
- Watery,
red eyes
- Chemical
breath odor
- Drunk,
dazed or dizzy appearance
- Drowsiness
or unconsciousness
- Nausea,
loss of appetite
- Anxiety,
excitability, irritability
- Inability
to concentrate
- Substance
odor on breath and clothes
- Poor
muscle control
- Change
in sleep patterns
- Prefers
group activity to being alone
- Reduced
attendance in school
- Lower
grades
- Bags
or rags containing dried solvents at home or in locker at
school
- Discarded
containers of various sprays or gases
- Small
bottles labeled "incense" (users of butyl nitrite)
What
to Do When Someone is Sniffing or Huffing
If
you discover someone sniffing of huffing inhalants, try not
to surprise him or her. Keep an eye on the situation for a
few moments so that you do not catch the person "in the
act." Remember, one of the main triggers for Sudden Sniffing
Death Syndrome is a surprise, such as being caught using.
Here
are some important steps to follow when you are with someone
who you believe is under the influence of inhalants.
- Remain
calm and do not panic. Panic could cause irrational or violent
behavior on the user’s part, or could possibly cause SSDS.
- If
the person is unconscious or not breathing, call for help.
CPR should be administered until help arrives.
- If
the person is conscious, keep him or her calm and in a well-ventilated
room.
- Excitement
or stimulation can cause hallucinations or violence.
- Talk
with other persons present or check the area for clues to
what was used.
- Once
the person is recovered, seek professional help for abuser:
school nurse, counselor, physician, or other health care
worker.
Where
to Go for Help
An
inhalant abuser needs professional help. Here are a few sources
for treatment programs:
National
Drug and Alcohol Treatment Referral Service
1-800-662-HELP
Substance
Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration
(U.S.
Department of Health & Human Services)
http://findtreatment.samhsa.gov/
National
Inhalant Prevention Coalition
www.inhalants.org
Factline
on Inhalants
http://www.drugs.indiana.edu/publications/iprc/factline/inhal.html
|
