Huffing is a term used by inhalant abusers and huffing is a very dangerous way to use inhalants. Huffing refers to soaking a piece of cloth in a chemical solvent and then placing the cloth in the mouth. This causes the vapors from the chemical to enter into the body when breathing during huffing process. The term huffing may come from the stifled sound made while trying to breath impaired. Huffing adds to the danger of asphyxiation many times over and makes inhalant abuse even more dangerous than it already is.

When the inhaled chemicals from such substances as paint thinners, degreasers, hair spray, nail polish or others are taken into the body, they cause an effect similar to intoxication. Children often use inhalants before alcohol and marijuana simply because they are easy to find and are often around the house. The vapors are breathed in through huffing or out of a plastic bag or taken in from the container directly. The chemicals go through the lungs and into the bloodstream leading to the brain, heart, liver, and kidneys. All of these organs can become damaged due to repeated exposure but the brain is especially susceptible.

Huffing and the repeated sniffing of solvents, aerosols and gases can lead to brain damage that controls vision, movement, feeling and hearing. Thinking problems include an inability to focus and concentrate and other problems that will get only worse as the huffing progresses.

Chemicals and gases found in ordinary household products are being abused by America's young. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, one in ten eighth graders have abused inhalants. This percentage is up from a decade ago showing that inhalant abuse is spreading.

Fortunately there are trained professionals who can help stop inhalant abuse and huffing. Spencer Recovery Centers have been helping adolescents and adults deal with their substance abuse problems for over a decade. Our facilities combined the most effective techniques of physical and mental therapies in order to treat every facet of inhalant abuse, alcohol abuse, substance abuse and other disorders that disrupt daily functioning. Spencer will temporarily remove the substance abuser from the environment that enables him or her to continue using. This will serve as a starting point for physical sobriety which may need to be helped along with medications. For this reason Spencer has a staff medical doctor to monitor our clients and get them physically well. Our staff psychologist and team of counselors work on the thinking and behavioral patterns of our clients. Following an individualized treatment plan, our clients attend group and individual therapy to work out the issues that have allowed huffing and other abuses to continue.

Spencer has a successful rehabilitation rate that has spanned the last decade. If you or a loved one needs to stop the destructive cycle of huffing, inhalant abuse or any other drug and alcohol problem, give us a call today. The call is confidential and free and we're waiting to hear from you today.