Posts Tagged ‘huffing’

Huffing on the Rise in Utah

Simms, on the topic of  Drugs
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We’ve previously discussed Freon huffing and its dangerous side effects, but law enforcement recently commented that huffing is a growing problem for juveniles, adults and police. Syracuse police have already dealt with two separate incidents involving huffing the fumes from a can of air duster, the product used to clean computer keyboards.

Photo: Jon Ross

The first situation concerned a woman who allegedly stole a can of air duster from a store in Syracuse and then passed out in the parking lot after inhaling the fumes.

Last Sunday, a teenager rolled the car he was driving several times after he huffed air duster and passed out. The passenger of the teen’s car was able to get a hold of the steering wheel and neither occupant was severely injured. The driver was charged with several crimes, including: driving under the influence, abuse of a psychotoxic chemical, not using a seat belt and running a stop sign.

When a person uses illegal drugs, misuses prescription drugs or household items, he runs the risk of becoming addicted. Unfortunately, addictions can cause people to do things that they wouldn’t do normally. If your child has an addiction you should get him help immediately. Give him the gift of a better quality of life.

On the other side of the issue is legal trouble. If an addiction has caused your child to get into a legal bind, call a Utah juvenile defense attorney immediately. An experienced juvenile attorney will be your child’s advocate in the juvenile justice system.

Fortunately, the juvenile justice system focuses more on rehabilitation than punishment. Nevertheless, there’s no need to try and handle the law on your own while you’re supporting your child’s recovery. Contact an attorney who will be the legal expert you and your child need during a difficult time.

Freon Huffing in Utah on the Rise

Simms, on the topic of  Drugs
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You know that huffing chemicals from household containers is dangerous and potentially deadly. A new huffing trend, particularly amongst teenagers, involves kids going into their own—or someone else’s—backyard to try this dangerous new thrill. Air conditioning units use Freon, which when inhaled can give someone a short-term high.

Photo: Todd Morris

The consequences of Freon huffing can be severe. There are the physical problems a person who huffs may encounter, including death, which is the most serious result of huffing. There is also the problem huffing presents to an air conditioning unit. When depleted of Freon, it only takes a few minutes for an air conditioning unit to be destroyed. Professionals suggest putting a lock on your air conditioner. It’s not terribly expensive, easy to install and difficult to remove.

Parents should check their air conditioning unit, or have it professionally tested, to make certain that the Freon isn’t below appropriate levels. Parents can also attempt to keep track of their teenager’s whereabouts. Teens should think twice before inhaling anything that comes out of an air conditioner. A temporary high isn’t worth the long-term damage it can cause to their bodies.

Don’t forget that inhaling certain chemicals is illegal as well. We’ve mentioned before that inhaling nitrous oxide for purposes other than those involving a medical or dental procedure is against the law. If a juvenile has been charged with inhaling chemicals, their parent should contact a Utah juvenile defense attorney. Kids are generally able to be helped with addiction problems, and an attorney can be of great assistance in helping with legal problems.