Huffing? Whats this all about and how dangerous is it?

Question

A friend of mine recently told me that she started huffing things like nail polish remover, gasoline, air freshener or rubbing alcohol...she used to struggle with cutting but got away from it so when she started getting stressed out she wanted something to keep her from falling into cutting... she said that huffing makes her feel better and shes started getting addicted to it....? shes kind of trying to get away from it now but she says she starts to feel really sick if she goes more than six hours without it... she doesnt think that its really going to hurt her... so i guess my questions are, how addictive is it? how dangerous is what shes doing and how can she quit or how can i help her to?

thank you all so much.

Answer 1

Huffing is a very dangerous activity.  The process of huffing is to inhale a substance with a low vapor point to cause a physiologic response.  

Huffing can be fatal!

If the initial hypoxia does not kill the person the toxic effects, side effects, or long term exposure effects can.  Of the substances you mentioned above, many are known carcinogens linked to blood cancers called leukemia, some are known respiratory irritants, and others are plain toxic.

You should do what ever you can to get your friend help before she kills herself.  There are many substance abuse clinics, physicians, social workers, and if inclined clergy that can help.

Answer 2

Someone I went to school with died from sniffing aerosols - his lungs froze and he died instantly - she's be better of cutting herself - not that I'm suggesting she does this

Answer 3

It is *very* dangerous. Every time she huffs something, she is killing brain cells. It can be addictive because it can get you high. You should inform her parents and encourage her to seek counseling right away.

Answer 4

Kristen is right.  Your friend could die the very next huff.  It is that serious.  She is cutting off oxygen and ingesting a combination of poisons.  You said she is doing this to avoid other self destructive behavior.  She needs help right now.  You have tell your parents.  They will help you talk to her parents.  Act now and don't be afraid to involve school officials or clergy.

Please give an update after you get back to the computer..  Because right now you need to get busy saving a friend.

I am deadly serious.  You can't wait.