Sniffing or Huffing Gasoline Vapors

This behavior is almost as old as the use of gasoline is in mainstream culture. Gasoline vapors, when inhaled, can trigger an intense hallucinogenic state. The person who inhaled the vapors may experience what feels very much like being asleep and dreaming - while remaining fully awake and somewhat aware of his or her surroundings. Because the individual remains somewhat aware, breaking free from the hallucinogenic state is comparable to waking up from sleep. If they hear, feel, taste, smell, or even sense something in their close proximity - they can generally "snap" back into a somewhat dulled sense of reality. This intense hallucinogenic state generally only lasts a few minutes at a time, and the induction of oxygen back into the body helps to clear the effects faster.

Unlike other strong hallucinogenic inducing chemicals, gasoline vapors very rarely cause a "bad trip". This, coupled with the short term effects of the inhalant, make inhaling the vapors a very popular behavior for adolescents and teens. Gasoline is also readily available, and can be obtained for free - simply by taking the cap or lid off any gas tank - anywhere. Because the adolescent or teen is able to "snap out" of the effects of the drug almost as easily as waking up from sleep, the chances of getting caught are less. They need no paraphernalia of any kind, they need simply the ability to breathe, and access to gasoline.

How Dangerous is Sniffing Gas?

Before the induction of unleaded gasoline into mainstream use, the instances of toxic lead poisoning from vapor inhalation were quite high. However, unleaded gasoline is no less dangerous - or even deadly. The most common side effect from prolonged abuse in adolescents and teens is a medical condition called peripheral neuropathies or limb spasms. There's also significant medical research to support the claim that prolonged abuse may lead to bone marrow damage. Death due to inhalant abuse is most often caused by suffocation. This happens when the abuser inhales the vapors without inhaling any oxygen - for instance, by using a plastic bag placed against the mouth and nose. Less common, but also well documented is something called Sudden Sniffing Death. A sudden and unexpected adrenalin rush can, under certain circumstances, cause the abuser to suffer from fatal cardiac arrhythmia.

How Common Is Inhalant Abuse?

The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), The Science of Drug Abuse and Addiction, reports that approximately one in five eighth-graders have abused inhalants. This report was not limited to the abuse of just gasoline vapors, however, it remains a startling statistic. For the full report, or to obtain a free guide for parents on preventing inhalant abuse, you can call the National Inhalants Prevention Coalition at 1-800-269-4237.

What Should I Look For?

Pay attention to moments of confusion, sluggish behavior, and anything that would remind you of having just woke your child from sleep. Watch for your child to hang around an area where gasoline is being stored. If you notice this activity - remove the gasoline - and preferably place container under lock. Watch for your child to hang around automobiles, dirt bikes, 4 wheelers, lawn movers - anything with a gas tank. If you notice this behavior, purchase lockable gas caps. The obvious signs of gasoline vapor abuse are the smell of gasoline on your child, or his/her clothing. In some cases, parents have noticed a circular red mark on their child's face - around the nose, or nose and mouth. This tell-tale red mark is made by pressing the face against the gasoline tank.

If I Suspect My Child - What Can I Do?

Gasoline vapor abuse is serious, and not to be taken lightly. Like any other inhalant abuse, it is addictive. Your child will likely require professional abuse counseling and intervention if the abuse has been long term or frequent. It's always recommended that you seek professional evaluation and advice where any form of inhalant abuse is suspected. If you feel your child hasn't abused an inhalant - but might be curious - there's no better time that right now to have a talk. Awareness and education are the key elements toward preventing future abuse. Talk to your children now and give them the facts of inhalant abuse.