What's In the Can?
This colorless gas is sometimes used during dental procedures and can produce feelings of euphoria, dizziness, and uncontrollable laughter.
Laughing Gas
These are chemicals found in common household, school, and workplace products that can produce mind-altering effects when their fumes are intentionally inhaled.
Inhalants
A teacher notices that a student's words sound slow, unclear, or difficult to understand. This symptom may indicate inhalant use.
Slurred speech
According to national survey data from 2021, approximately this percentage of 8th graders reported using inhalants.
3.6%
Lower grades, missing assignments, and poor test scores are signs of this.
Declining academic performance
People often use this fuel to light campfires or barbecue grills, but breathing in its vapors can harm the brain and body.
Lighter Fluid
A person who places a chemical-soaked rag over their nose and mouth to breathe in fumes is engaging in this behavior.
Huffing
A student is stumbling while walking and has trouble catching a ball, even though they normally have good balance. This possible sign of inhalant use is known as this.
Lack of coordination
Researchers estimate that between this percentage of regular inhalant users experience some form of cognitive impairment.
50-80%
If a teacher is concerned about a student's behavior, they should contact this school professional for support.
School counselor or Social worker
Often sold in aerosol cans, this styling product can release vapors that affect the brain when misused.
Hairspray
Unlike many illegal drugs, inhalants are often hidden in plain sight because they are commonly found where?
household, school, or workplace
A strong chemical smell lingering on a student's breath, hands, or clothing
Chemical odor
More than 22 million Americans starting at what age have have tried inhalants at least once?
12 years old
A student avoids friends and group activities. What kind impact is this called?
Social withdrawal
Although designed for construction, crafts, or repairs, the vapors from this adhesive can cause serious health problems when intentionally breathed in.
Glue
This method of inhalant misuse involves breathing fumes from a bag containing chemical vapors.
Bagging
A teacher notices that a student's behavior shifts rapidly from excitement to frustration and anger within the same class period. What warning sign is being described?
Sudden mood swings
According to NIDA, this type of impairment affects many regular inhalant users and can impact memory, attention, and learning.
Cognitive Impairment
A student forgets directions, loses focus, and turns in incomplete work. What classroom skill is most likely being affected?
Concentration
Found in classrooms and art rooms, these colorful writing instruments may contain chemicals that can produce dangerous fumes.
Felt-Tip Markers
Researchers have found that the accessibility of household products containing inhalants contributes to higher rates of misuse among this age group.
Children and adolescents
A student who was energetic in the morning suddenly becomes irritable, exhausted, and unable to focus on classroom tasks. What warning sign best describes this change?
Unusual fatigue or sleepiness
If a school had 1,000 eighth-grade students and national averages applied, about this many students may have reported using inhalants.
36 Students
When teachers notice major changes in grades, behavior, or friendships, they should do this first.
Report concerns and seek support for the student