Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: WEDNESDAY, July 20, 1994 TAG: 9408120017
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C3 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: NEWPORT NEWS LENGTH: Medium
But commonplace as they are, abusing the chemicals can be deadly.
By inhaling chemicals, users put themselves at risk for ``sudden sniffing death syndrome,'' in which chemicals rush into the brain and jolt the heart, counselors say.
Counselors say more children are willing to tempt brain damage and death in pursuit of a quick thrill. In 1993, officials estimate, 60 people nationwide died from sudden sniffing death syndrome. Most experts say the actual number is much higher.
``We've seen clear increases in the last two years or so,'' said Sandy Fagan of Bacon Street, a counseling center in James City County. ``And we're really seeing some extremely reckless abuse like we saw 15 to 16 years ago.''
From 1980 to 1990, inhaling was the only drug abuse problem monitored by the National Institute on Drug and Alcohol Abuse that became more prevalent.
Andrew, 18, who was interviewed by the Daily Press on condition that his last name not be used, is an accomplished ``huffer.'' Huffers are teens who have made an art out of sniffing and inhaling just about any chemical.
Andrew's favorite inhalant is Freon, the compound used as a refrigerant in air conditioners.
Dozens of other products also are inhaled. Propane, butane, paint thinners, hair sprays, canned whipped cream, dusting sprays and nail polish remover all can provide a potent buzz. And there's always the old standby, airplane glue.
``It's really frightening,'' said Spencer Marcus, a psychiatrist at the Riverside Psychiatric Institute. ``From a health risk perspective, this is probably among the most dangerous habits out there because of its direct effect on body tissue.''
Marcus said that inhalants are often a precursor to other drug use.
``If you talk to recovering alcoholics, they'll often tell you they were using inhalants back when they were 10 or 11,'' he said.
That's what happened with Carlos, 20, of Virginia Beach. He first tried huffing when he was about 8, but he didn't pick it up seriously until he was 13 or so. Carlos said he took his first hit of Freon a year later. From there, he branched out into other drugs and soon, he said, became an alcoholic.
Carlos said his habit was so bad one summer that his mother had to have the air conditioner in their home recharged twice because he and his friends had sucked it dry.
Eventually, Carlos was arrested on a series of breaking and entering charges. He says he's now straight, and he offers a warning to teachers, drug counselors and police.
``They're naive to the fact that younger kids are doing this,'' he says. ``No matter how young and innocent they look, they are getting high.''
Andrew, who is awaiting trial for armed robbery, agrees.
``When you mess with this stuff, it doesn't matter who you are,'' said Andrew, who also is trying to get clean. ``You can be an honor roll student, but you'll still get caught up in it.''
Memo: shorter version ran in the Metro edition.