Street Names of Commonly Abused Inhalants

Inhalant Street Names

Deciphering teen-speak has never been an easy thing to do, but understanding what your kids are talking about has never been more critical. From the texting lingo that could hide predatory behavior by adult sex offenders to the street names of commonly abused substances, it has never been more important for parents to keep their eyes and their ears open.

 

 

Inhalants are a case in point and a dangerous one at that. These toxic substances are found in every home, in cans of paint, bug spray, and even in seemingly innocuous items like nail polish remover and wood glue. But in the wrong hands, these inhalants can turn toxic, putting the very lives of your kids at risk. Protecting the next generation begins with educating yourself, and here are some things you need to know about the common street names of these toxic substances.

If you hear discussions of the following terms, you should be very concerned, and you need to reach out to the addiction treatment experts immediately:

• Whippets
• Balloons
• Airblast
• Bagging
• Huffing
• Bolt
• Bullet
• Poppers
• Quicksilvers
• Whiteout
• Snotballs

If you or a loved one are struggling with addiction, call WhiteSands Alcohol and Drug Rehab today at 877.969.1993 to learn how we can help. 

Signs of Inhalant Abuse

Knowing the signs of inhalant abuse and addiction is vital for any parent, and if you spot any of these symptoms, you need to be prepared to act right away. If you notice any of the following, it is time to have a serious conversation and an intervention:

• Chemical odors on the breath
• Unexplained staining or discoloration around the lips or mouth
• An increase in lethargy or tiredness
• Agitation and anxiety

Why People Abuse Inhalants

Given the inherent dangers of their use, you may wonder why anyone would huff spray paint or inhale glue, and putting yourself in the mind of a bored teenager or another person with an inhalant addiction can be difficult. The truth is that there are many reasons why people abuse inhalants, including:

• Easy accessibility – Inhalants are found in every home
• Cheap price – Even when they are not available at home, things like spray paint and nail polish remover are inexpensive and readily available
• Boredom – Kids and teens may find themselves bored and aimless, and inhalant use can provide a temporary release from their lives
• Curiosity – Kids are exposed to a lot of information and misinformation about inhalant abuse, and that influx can spark a dangerous curiosity

Who Is at Risk of Inhalant Abuse and Addiction

In practical terms, anyone can fall prey to inhalant abuse and addiction, but some people are more at risk than others. Inhalant abuse tends to peak around age 14 or 15, and after that, the incidence of addiction often drops off. Even so, older teens can and do use inhalants, as do younger children, including those as young as six or seven.

Those younger kids may be copying behaviors they see their older siblings engage in, which is one more reason to get help if you suspect this kind of abuse. Inhalants can be especially deadly for young children, and recognizing the earliest warning signs could literally be a lifesaver.

Treatment for Inhalant Abuse

Some drug problems are all too easy to spot. If you find a pot pipe in your daughter’s bedroom or a needle in the basement where your son lives, you will have a pretty good idea of what is going on. But what if the drugs in question are hiding in plain sight like the spray paint in your garage, the aerosol under the sink, or the markers in your teen’s room?

Those drugs are inhalants, and they come in many forms, all perfectly legal and all seemingly innocuous. But no matter what form they take, those inhalants are all dangerous, and under the wrong circumstances, they can quickly turn deadly.

Even if you only suspect inhalant abuse, it is vital to know the warning signs and symptoms. The signs of inhalant abuse can be subtle at times, but if you look hard enough, you should be able to spot them early enough to intervene. If you think someone you care about has been abusing these dangerous household substances, it is essential to step in and get them the help they need right away.

At WhiteSands Alcohol and Drug Rehab, we know how to treat the complex nature of inhalant abuse and addiction. We have the resources, the training, and the expertise needed to provide the help and recovery your loved one needs. So reach out to us today or visit any of our Florida locations for more information about inhalants, including what they are, how they are used, why they are dangerous, and what you can do to help your loved one recover.

If you or a loved one needs help with abuse and/or treatment, please call the WhiteSands Treatment at (877) 855-3470. Our addiction specialists can assess your recovery needs and help you get the addiction treatment that provides the best chance for your long-term recovery.