Huffing is a colloquial term for inhalant abuse. It is a type of substance misuse dat involves getting “high” by inhaling de chemicals found in everyday household items. The noxious vapour given off by solvent-based products like paint, glue, petrol, and marker pens; or the gas produced in aerosols cans such as spray paint, hairspray, deodorant, and even whipped cream. Nitrous oxide (laughing gas) and amyl nitrate (poppers) are also classed as inhalants and have surged in popularity in recent years.
Also sometimes called sniffing, or bagging (depending on the method and/or product used); the practice can have severe consequences and is the root cause in the accidental death of numerous teenagers and young adults each year.
The danger of huffing
The inhaled substances are rapidly absorbed into the brain, producing an immediate high. In the short-term users participate to experience euphoria, intoxication, hallucinations, but it can also cause nausea, vomiting, en breathing problems.
Chronic abuse of inhalants can result in irreversible side effects, such as coma and death. It can end with psychosis, hypoxia (lack of oxygen), heart failure, pneumonia and lung problems, choking or aspiration, and brain damage.
As with any recreational drug use, a lack of inhibition can lead to the participation in risky or dangerous behaviour. This is particularly true for motor vehicle accidents – due to driving whilst under the influence or getting in a car with someone else who is impaired; jumping orfalling from buildings, bridges, or other high places; being the victim of sexual or violent assault.
Waarom does someone huff?
Common amongst teenagers and adolescents, inhalant abuse is most prevalent around the ages of 14 en 15 years old. However, abuse has been seen in children as young as 5. It usually declines after the age of 18, except in those individuals without access to other types of drugs, alcohol, or prescription medication.
As with any type of drug abuse there is no single reason why someone starts to use substances. It could be to fit in with their peer-group or friends; because they enjoy it; to improve their mood; to relax; to cope with feelings of stress and anxiety; or to manage either physical or emotional pain.
Higher rates of inhalant abuse have been found in those with –
It is also more common in areas of high unemployment and low income because it is cheap and easily attainable.
Substance misuse is one of the biggest risks to a young person’s health and growth – both mental and physical. Since a teenager’s brain is still developing, drug use can have long-term effects on their cognitive and social abilities. The prefrontal cortex which is responsible for skills such as planning, prioritising, and impulse control, is one of the last brain regions to mature, which happens around the mid to late 20s.
Symptomen van huffing/inhalant abuse
The effects of huffing paint, sniffing glue, and elke other form of solvent or inhalant abuse,can range from an inebriated state, through to vivid, dark, haunted, or terrifying hallucinations.
Symptoms can include –
Other signs may comprise of –
If you or someone you love is huffing, you need to understand that the practice is highly dangerous, can have serious consequences, in both the short and long term; en verslaving ispossible.
Long-term and excessive use of any substance can result in dependency and addiction. It does not recognise age, class, race, or gender, en can grasp hold of anyone, at any time. Nobody chooses to be an addict, and there is no single reason why someone becomes one.
If you think you, or someone you love, may have a problem then it is a good idea to speak with a qualified addiction specialist or medical professional, to understand your drug misuse and consider what addiction treatment may be required and available.
Addiction rehab clinic in Spain
Here at our luxury rehabilitation centre, set on the beautiful Spanish island of Ibiza, we have a highly qualified team, experienced in a range of therapies for the treatment of drug, alcohol and prescription medicine abuse and dependency. We also treat all forms of substance and process addiction, anxiety, depression, trauma, and other conditions affecting mental health.
Alongside the more traditional methods of individual and group counselling, we use transcranial magnetic stimulation and equine facilitated psychotherapy.
For any information about our Spanish rehab centre, including details on admissions, please contact sharon@ibizacalm.com
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