Cactus Village Community

SAVE A FRIEND FROM INHALANT ABUSE: GLUE SNIFFING

Jul 09, 2003

Street Slang - - Gluing, Kick, Bang, Sniff, Huff, Poppers, Whippets, Texas Shoe-Shine, or Gooing

Glue-sniffing is a form of substance abuse. An increasing number of people are becoming addicted to glue-sniffing which has gained popularity among the youth of our neighborhoods.

These glue-sniffing children either pour glue onto a piece of cloth which they then roll up and sniff, or they pour the sticky substance into a shopping bag and hold it near their face to inhale the vapors. Some opt to enhance the pleasures of intoxication by putting it in their mouths. Reasons for glue-sniffing can range from gaining a feeling of pleasure, distorting the senses like pain, and heightening carnal cravings. It also can lead to hallucinations.

Inhaling glue by covering the face causes the displacement of oxygen in the lungs and subsequently the central nervous system, causing breathing to cease. The constant use of glue has been associated with a number of serious, long-term and often irreversible health problems including loss of hearing, damage to the brain, and deficiency of oxygen in the blood. Inhalants can affect your brain, your heart, and can damage other parts of your body, or even cause sudden death.

How can you tell if a friend is using inhalants? Sometimes it's tough to tell. But there are signs you can look for. If your friend has one or more of the following warning signs, he or she may be using inhalants:

Slurred speech. Drunk, dizzy, or dazed appearance.
Unusual breath odor. Chemical smell on clothing. Paint stains on body or face. Red eyes. Runny nose.

What can you do to help someone who is using
inhalants? Be a real friend. Save a life. Encourage your friend to seek professional help. For information and referrals, call the National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information at 1 - 800 - 729 - 6686.
Respective City Codes: Sec. 23-51, Ord. G-830/G-993. . .☺