Top 5 Household Items Abused by Teenagers

Using household items to get high is nothing new among teenagers, and can be just as deadly as abusing illegal
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Common Household Items Abused by TeensUsing household items to get high is nothing new among teenagers, and can be just as deadly as abusing illegal substances. If you aren’t aware of which products may tempt your teen, here’s a list of the top five addictive household items:

  1. Whip Cream Cans: The most commonly abused items in the home are inhalants. Using whip cream cans, teens inhale the aerosol gas contained within the can. This can cause a rush of dizziness, slight euphoria, confusion, ringing of the ears, and excitement. The street name for inhaling this aerosol gas is “whippets.”
  2. Duster: This dangerous inhalant is also known as computer keyboard cleaner, especially the brand name product Dust-Off. Sadly, there have been a high number of deaths among teens who abuse duster. After using the duster, people experience similar feelings as they do when inhaling whippets; however, the feelings are generally more intense when using duster. Household inhalants are often some of the very first items teens use to get high.
  3. Freshly Ground Nutmeg: Many teens are now finding that ingesting nutmeg can mimic the effects of a stimulant. In addition, nutmeg can induce a feeling of euphoria and numbness of the body.
  4. Glue Products: Glues or adhesives are inhaled or sniffed by putting the substance inside a paper bag. This allows the chemical fumes to be inhaled easily. Similar to whippets and duster, glue can be fatal. When the chemical fumes are inhaled, they can cause the inhaler to die from cardiac complications.
  5. Cough Syrup: Many cough syrups are abused, but Robitussin is the most commonly abused due to the dextromethorphan (DXM) it contains. DXM used in high doses can cause hallucinations, euphoria, confusion, dizziness, blurred vision, and headaches. The street name associated with cough syrup abuse is “Robo-Tripping.” It is important to be aware that many cough medications come in pill form, and are equally as dangerous as the liquid.

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Keep an Eye Out

As a parent, you must be vigilant in monitoring your home for products that can be abused. Since most of these products can be purchased over the counter, it is important to keep an open line of communication between you and your teenager.

Even if you make sure you do not purchase any of these household items, your teenager may still find ways to gain access to them. Being an observant parent is your best tool for preventing abuse of these household items in your own home.

It is also important to educate yourself on the warning signs of drug abuse. These signs include changes in behavior, sleeping habits, or weight loss. If you believe your teen has developed an addiction to a household product, or any other substance, seek a rehab center that can provide them needed addiction treatment.

If you or a loved one are struggling with abusing substances, please call us at (310) 455-5258 or submit the form below to learn more about our addiction treatment programs in Los Angeles.

If you’re ready to start your recovery, we’re here to help.

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