Huffing Paint

Over the last few decades, inhalant abuse has become one of the most prominent issues of concern in the society. The rising number of cases of inhalant abuse can be attributed to the fact that the substances used in such cases are readily available in our surroundings. Unlike the substances of drug abuse which are relatively difficult to get, a wide range of chemical substances, that are readily available at our homes, are used by people involved in inhalant abuse.

While gasoline, cleaning fluid, spot remover and other such household items have always been popular among these people, the latest entrant in this list of substance abuse is paint. In fact, recent trends suggest that the practice of huffing paint fumes is on the rise among the adolescents and teens. Going by the definition, huffing or sniffing paint is basically the practice of inhaling the fumes coming from various paint products with the intention of getting a 'high' or a 'kick'.

Symptoms

The symptoms of huffing paint may range from simple lightheadedness to much more severe complications. These symptoms are quite similar to some of the most common side effects of inhalants, such as headache, irritability, nausea, intoxication etc. In fact, the person might behave as if he has been really intoxicated by alcohol. When the person is experiencing the so-called 'high', his ability to hear and speak will be hampered to a significant extent. Lack of inhibitions will only mean the person would resort to doing things which he would not do in normal circumstances. More severe symptoms include high blood pressure and increased heart rate. If the person has been involved in this type abuse for a long time, sudden withdrawal from the same may even result in irritability and insomnia.

Hazardous Effects

The alleged kick one gets after huffing fumes coming from the paint is nothing but a short-lived euphoria which can be attributed to the chemicals acting upon the central nervous system of the individual. Though this may look quite harmless, and the lightheadedness associated with it might be enjoyable, this practice can result in a series of hazardous effects on the body and mind of the individual. The fact that the chemicals in the paint products directly act upon the central nervous system itself implies that it can cause severe damage to the brain. Other than the brain, even kidneys, lungs and the heart are vulnerable to the hazards of chemicals in the paint.

As far as the problems with the brain are concerned, they start with relatively minor issues such as memory loss and difficulty in concentration. Over a period time, these problems tend to worsen, and result in much more severe complications. Damage to some of the most vital parts of the body, including the brain and the kidneys can even result in death of the individual. Though these occurrences are quite rare, the chances of sudden sniffing death (SSD) cannot be totally ruled out. Yet another closely related facet of inhalant abuse is huffing paint thinner, effects of which are quite similar to the effects of the chemicals in paint.

The misconception that this practice is less dangerous than the practice of using drugs such as Marijuana and opium has contributed to its soaring popularity among the certain circles. Basically, one has to understand that when it comes to any sort of substance abuse, addiction is inevitable, and once a person is addicted, he doesn't mind to resort to unethical means to fulfill his craving. Even the fact that practices such as huffing paint or huffing gasoline are bound to result in adverse effects on them, doesn't deter them from doing it. That being said, it is very important to monitor your children, and keep a check for any signs or symptoms of such practices. It's important to curb such practices in the very beginning instead of waiting for the things to get out of the hand.