Inhalants include any substance that produces fumes that create a "high" and inhalants are often the first drug children use because they are so easy to get. Inhalants found around the house include nail polish remover, model glue, markers, liquid paper, lighter fluid and spray paints. Other commonly found inhalants are hair spray, canned whipped cream and cleaning fluids. Young and older people turn to inhalants as a fast and cheap way to get high. Inhalants are highly toxic to the mind and body and can have lasting damage.

People use inhalants to escape reality because inhalants can cause mind-altering, psychoactive effects. Children and adolescence who are at risk for drug abuse will often turn to inhalants first because they are so readily available. Drug studies have found that around 6 percent of American children have used inhalants by the fourth grade. Inhalants are used by boys and girls, in the cities and in the country. If you suspect your child is abusing inhalants, it is time to get help now.

Traces of inhalants on the body or clothing can be a sign of a problem. Chemical smelling breath and paint or solvent stains on clothing are signs of a problem. Other signs of abuse of inhalants include finding hidden spray paint containers, chemical soaked rags and clothing or several used markers and correction fluid bottles.

The physical effects of inhalants resemble alcohol abuse. Slurred speech, nausea, lack of coordination, irritability and an appearance of being drunk or disoriented are all outward signs of abuse of inhalants. Inward physical complications include suffocation, heart problems, brain nerve damage and organ damage.

Does your child have access to these common chemicals?

· Spot removers
· Degreasers
· Gasoline
· Pain thinner
· Correction fluid
· Nitrous oxide
· Aerosols
· Butane
· Propane
· Video head cleaner

Certainly most households have one or more of these substances. If you or a loved one is abusing these substances or others, treatment is available.

Spencer Recovery Centers focuses on the underlying problems that create the need to abuse inhalants and other substances. Our staff medical doctor deals with physical complications and easing the pain of withdrawal and other biological needs. On the mental front, our staff psychologist creates a specific sober living treatment plan involving individual and group therapy to get to the root of unhealthy thinking and behavioral choices.

Call Spencer Recovery Centers today for more information about our facilities and enrollment in drug rehab. We have been successfully serving the recovery community for over a decade and look forward to helping you and your family. The call is free and confidential so please call today.