Sniffing, Bagging and Huffing: The Often Undetected Addiction
Published Jun 7, 2013
As the parent of a teen it seems that there are so many different issues that you need to discuss, monitor and be aware of. While often parents focus on the use of illegal drugs or the misuse of prescription medications, there are a huge number of common household substances that can be even more dangerous and addictive.
Historically huffing, the inhalation of chemical or substance fumes, was considered a hard core addict’s behavior often when other types of substances were not available. Now, however, huffing is much more popular with teens as a way to get high using easily available common, completely legal products. Huffing or sniffing typically involves spraying or pouring the substance on a rag or a cloth and then holding that to the nose. The soaked cloth can also be placed in the mouth.
Sniffing is typically denoted as inhalation right from the container but it can also be used to indicate huffing. Bagging is slightly different in that the fumes from the substance are trapped in a bag or the chemical or product is sprayed into a bag, typically a paper bag, and then held to the face and the fumes inhaled.
Common household products that are used for huffing, sniffing and bagging include:
- Spray paint
- Aerosol dusting products and cleaners
- Computer cleaners in aerosol form
- Glue and glue products
- Spot removers for fabric cleaning
- Spray or liquid fabric cleaners
- Cleaning chemicals for bathrooms or kitchens
- Nail polish remover
- Paint and varnish removers
- Lighter fluids
- Air conditioning fluid
- Some types of aerosol food products such as cooking spray or whipped cream
- Sharpie pens, art supplies and liquid ink
- White-out and other types of correction fluids
Parents need to carefully monitor their teen’s behavior and use or purchases of these types of products. Typical signs to watch for that may indicate a teen is engaging in huffing or similar types of substance abuse include:
- Sores and irritated skin around the mouth and nose that may actually look like minor burns or like a rash
- Confusion, disorientation, irritability and inability to focus or carry on a discussion
- Nausea and vomiting
- Headaches and vision problems
- Tremors or shaking, muscle weakness
- Extreme fatigue
- Depression, despondency and isolation
Parents should be proactive about talking to their teens and seeking immediate medical help and abuse treatment if huffing is suspected. This is a deadly and very serious addiction that can be fatal even with the first try.