“Huffing” is when someone uses inhalants to get high, such as by taking a spray can and inhaling the gasses that come out when whatever is in the can is sprayed. The inhalant could be household products like spray paint, gas or glue. Some teens might even huff things such as correction fluid or White-Out. 

Sometimes teens huff or use inhalants because they think they’re harmless. Often, teens that use inhalants huff household products or cleansers and think that they’re not harmful because they are found around the home or used in the home. But huffing or using inhalants is very dangerous and many teens don’t realize that the effects of the chemicals on the brain and body are immediate, irreversible and can be fatal.

Huffing is EXTREMELY dangerous, and can cause brain damage or death the very first time someone does it. Learn more about the effects of huffing and why you should tell an adult right away if you know someone who huffs. 

For more information on huffing, check out the National Institute on Drug Abuse’s Teen Web site.