Dusting: What to Know About This Potentially Deadly Trend
Teenagers and young adults are often unaware of the potential risks associated with “dusting” or simply ignore the facts. Some mistakenly think that because the products are legal, they are safe.
Surprisingly, most products used for dusting can be found around the house or obtained online.
Anyone experimenting with dusting needs to know the potential risks of this dangerous trend before suffering severe consequences.
Dusting is a form of inhalant abuse also referred to as huffing or chroming. One of the most popular products used for dusting is a computer keyboard cleaner spray. People spray the aerosol directly into their mouth or nose through a straw to get high. Although the spray is described as “compressed air”, it also contains chemicals like difluoroethane and tetrafluoroethane, which cause rapid effects like dizziness, hallucinations, loss of inhibition, and euphoria.
The euphoria is brief but intense, leading people to want more and more. Frequent misuse of the aerosol spray can lead to heart or liver failure.
Several potentially life-threatening side effects can occur after inhaling duster spray or other similar products. The most significant side effect is known as “sudden sniffing death.” This effect happens when the heart stops beating after inhaling the chemicals, and it can happen with the first use.
Common side effects of dusting include:
Severe, long-term consequences of dusting include:
Teens are more vulnerable to these effects because their brains and bodies are still developing. Parents are encouraged to keep these kinds of products in a secure place to reduce the likelihood that their child might experiment with huffing or dusting.
Inhaling computer spray produces an intense, but short-lived high. Individuals often inhale repeatedly to keep the euphoria. This dangerous practice can lead to increased tolerance and psychological dependence. The person will continue using and may develop strong cravings to use again despite any negative effects. If they try to stop using, they experience withdrawal symptoms like:
If you suspect someone is participating in dusting, look for signs such as chemical-soaked rags or empty aerosol cans. The person may exhibit bloodshot eyes, a hoarse voice, slurred speech, sores around the nose or mouth, loss of appetite, and a chemical odor on the skin or clothes. They may also show signs of inhalant abuse in other ways, such as a sudden change in friends, changes in behavior, decline in school performance, tiredness (fatigue), depression, confusion, hostility, and paranoia.
Inhalant abuse is not a new trend, but it seems to be accelerating among young adults and teens. The rise in inhalant use is due in part to easy accessibility and low cost. Although more than 1,000 products are used as inhalants, the most popular ones are:
More than 2.4 million people ages 12 or older admit to using inhalants in the past year, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA).
Professional addiction treatment is the best way to achieve long-term sobriety and reduce the risk of permanent physical or mental harm.
Although huffing is not the same as taking street drugs, tolerance and addiction are hard to break on your own, regardless of the drug involved. You need treatment that combines therapies targeting both the physical and psychological aspects of substance use.
Our full continuum of care consists of a range of evidence-based therapies; compassionate, skilled staff; a secure, comforting environment; and aftercare services. Some of the options available at Design for Change include:
At Design for Change Recovery, we provide a personalized treatment plan that aligns with your situation. Our program is fully licensed and JCHAO-accredited, meaning you can be assured of getting the high-quality care you deserve.
Contact our Lancaster, CA facility to speak with a treatment advisor and learn more about how we can help you conquer your dependence on addictive substances. Our representatives are available to assist you in any way.
Sources:
psychologytoday.com/ – Huffing: The Dangerous Trend of Computer Duster Drug Abuse
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/ – Air Duster Abuse Causing Rapid Airway Compromise