How To Tell If Someone Is Huffing Drugs

08/17/2021

How To Tell If Someone Is Huffing Drugs

What Does It Mean to “Huff” Drugs?

“Huffing” is a slang term for inhaling chemical vapors illegally. Inhalants describe drugs that can only be used by inhaling them. Essentially, inhalants are typically not available in any other forms. Someone may huff inhalants such as paint thinners or removers, gasoline, glues, spray paint, hair spray, nitrous oxide from whipped cream containers, and more.

When someone huffs or inhales a substance, they will likely experience a psychoactive or mind-altering effect. This effect results in a rapid high that may resemble intoxication to alcohol. Because of the high that inhalants produce at an extremely low cost, teenagers are the group that is most likely to abuse inhalants.

If you are worried that your child or teenager may be using or abusing any kind of inhalant, keep an eye out for the signs below.

How to Recognize If Someone Is Huffing Drugs

If someone is huffing drugs, they might display the following patterns or behaviors. Signs of inhalant use may include:

Chemical odors on clothing or breath
Paint stains on clothes and hands
Chemical stains on clothing or rags
Hidden spray cans or solvent containers
Disorientation or a drunk appearance
Inattentiveness and distraction
Irritability and agitation
Red eyes and runny nose
Sores around the mouth

While these are the most common signs of inhalant abuse, your child may be experiencing more uncomfortable and even potentially dangerous symptoms. The symptoms they experience depend on the type of substance they are inhaling and several other factors.

More Inhalant Abuse Symptoms

Additional symptoms of inhalant abuse, ones that may not be as visible or evident, include:

Nausea
Vomiting
Depression
Anxiety
Loss of appetite
Drowsiness
Lightheadedness
Confusion
Dizziness
Headache
Insomnia
Increased heart rate

The effects of huffing drugs are very short-lived, but can be extreme and even dangerous. If someone regularly huffs drugs, they may be at risk for a variety of health complications.

What Are the Risks Of Inhaling Drugs?

When a person huffs drugs, they could be inhaling dangerous toxins or hazardous chemicals. And, of course, all inhalants come with a chance of dependence and addiction. Additionally, someone who huffs drugs may be exposing themselves to the following issues:

Brain degeneration
Parkinson’s Disease
Asphyxiation
Suffocation
Injury
Choking
Convulsions
Seizures
Coma

Because of the risks that come with inhaling drugs, you should contact your teenager’s doctor as soon as possible if you recognize any signs of inhalant use or abuse. If this problem is caught early, it is likely to achieve a healthy recovery.

Treatment for Inhalant Abuse and Addiction

After you talk to a doctor, they may recommend a unique treatment plan for your child. The treatment they will receive depends on the severity of their abuse and what type of inhalant they have been using. Therapy methods may include one-on-one therapy, group meetings, withdrawal support, and more. Extreme cases may call for outpatient or inpatient rehabilitation.

To learn more about huffing drugs and how to spot abuse of inhalants, contact our team of substance abuse and treatment specialists by calling 267.209.7313.