LONG TERM

• Inhaled nitrites dilate blood vessels, increase heart rate
• and produce a sensation of heat and excitement that can last for several minutes.
• Other effects can include flush, dizziness, and headache.

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10 FACTS

• Over 2.1 million kids, ages 12-17, have used an inhalant to get high.
• 1 out of 5 school-aged children in the U.S. has intentionally abused a common household product to get high by the time they reach eighth grade.
• More than 1,400 different products are commonly abused.
• Many youngsters say they began sniffing while in grade school. In fact, abuse of inhalants often begins at age 10 or 11, although children as young as six have been known to experiment with inhalants.
• Abusing inhalants can kill, and can kill the first time they are used. Victims can suddenly die without warning.

10FACTS

• Inhalant abuse is VERY ADDICTIVE. Many abusers say they have a strong need to continue using, and withdrawal can occur with long-term inhalant abuse.
• Those who abuse inhalants are represented by both sexes, and all socioeconomic groups.
• Because inhalant abuse deaths are often attributed to other causes, no one will know for certain how many lives are taken by inhalant abuse.
• In addition to “sudden sniffing death”, medical consequences include: asphyxiation; fatal injury from accidents including falls, crashes and other traumatic injuries; coma; seizures; choking on inhaled vomit; HIV/AIDS/Hepatitis and other STDs from impaired thinking and reasoning which may result in unsafe sexual practice.
• Inhalant use causes long term effects including: suppressed immune function; bone marrow injury; burns; liver, brain, kidney and lung damage; reproductive complications; damage to hearing and vision. All body systems are affected in one way or another.

SHORT TERM

• Drowsiness
• Lack of energy
• Slurred speech