Huffing Hand Sanitizer – It’s Real!
In our previous blog post, we talked about drinking hand sanitizer and the dangers that come with it. While some people might not understand how this can be an issue, it’s a growing problem among young adults and adults too. If you have a problem with drinking of any kind, get help at Freedom Detox. Call today!
Brand name bottles of sanitizer are at least 60 to 65% alcohol. That means it’s equal to two shots of 80 proof vodka. Hand sanitizer contains ethanol alcohol, as well. This is the same substance within one glass of wine that can create a buzz when you drink it.
In our last blog, we talked about the dangers of drinking this substance. They include damage to internal organs, vision problems, memory loss, and alcohol poisoning. Alcohol poisoning can even lead to death. It is important to understand that drinking hand sanitizer is very risky and can be detrimental to your health.
In addition, aside from drinking the substance, there are other ways to use it in a dangerous way. As we previously mentioned, sanitizer has a terrible taste that is hard to consume. Unfortunately, there are ways to steer clear of the bad taste of hand sanitizer. Many who abuse the substance have begun adding salt to separate the alcohol from the gel or add in Listerine to alter the taste. They’ve also begun huffing it. Unfortunately, inhalation of hand sanitizer can cause serious side effects and health issues. Below, you will find the most common dangers.
The Dangers of Huffing Hand Sanitizer
As a parent, you may be worried about your children now. It’s common to worry about them. However, knowing what to expect and what can happen when huffing sanitizer is a great way to bring awareness to your kids. Below, you will find the most common dangers.
Headaches can happen either through long-term exposure or with just one whiff of the alcohol that is in hand sanitizer. Because rubbing alcohol is typically the active ingredient, it is very potent. The fumes can cause a serious headache or a migraine.
Nausea and vomiting can also happen when inhaling hand sanitizer. Especially with long-term use, the potent fumes of alcohol can cause problems with your digestive tract. Even more, those who try to use this substance in an abusive way while sick with a fever can experience worse nausea and vomiting.
Rubbing alcohol can seriously irritate nucleus membranes inside the nose. It’s almost like a chemical burn that happens in the nasal passages. In the least dangerous scenario, the irritation will lead to allergy-like symptoms that cause a runny nose, sore throat, and sinus pain. Worst cases can cause permanent damage to the ability to smell properly as well as damage to mucous membranes.
Those with asthma could seriously endanger their respiratory health. Even those who do not suffer from asthma can cause themselves difficulty with breathing while inhaling fumes of rubbing alcohol.
Below, you’ll find symptoms of huffing. That way, you might be able to identify this behavior in your child or someone you know.
- agitation
- delusions
- a feeling of drowsiness
- hallucinations
- impaired judgment
- the initial feeling of excitement
- lightheadedness
- mood changes
Phenol is the chemical found in Germ-X. It can lead to respiratory arrest. In the worst cases, it can also cause death. Because huffing hand sanitizer is popular, individuals rarely stop to think about what type of chemicals they are inhaling. Phenol doesn’t offer a high like other chemicals in different hand sanitizers. It only causes serious side effects and possible death.
Studies show that huffing hand sanitizer could be the gateway to huffing other substances as well as drinking alcohol at a young age. While it might seem less harmful than a regular addiction, huffing can turn into a full-blown addiction, just like drugs or alcohol. Those who are addicted to huffing will crave more. They will have withdrawal symptoms when trying to stop. Hand sanitizer is especially dangerous for kids because it is readily found in every classroom.
Huffing hand sanitizer is something that should not be done. No matter who or what age, there are serious dangers that come with inhaling any type of substance. Please know that this can also lead to addiction and further complications.
It might sound scary or unhelpful, but rehab is a great way to rejoin life sober. Many people suffering from substance abuse feel like they can’t trust rehab to help. That’s not the case, especially at Freedom Detox. We offer a variety of detox and treatment programs geared toward your needs. You’ll find great support at our facility. Don’t hesitate to contact us to learn more about our programs. We are here to help you through this difficult time.
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It’s hard watching a loved one go through this difficult situation. It’s also a troublesome thing to go through alone. If you, or someone you know, need help with alcohol abuse, please consider learning more about our outpatient North Carolina alcohol rehab. We offer the care you need, but also give you the freedom to personalize treatment so that you can still go to work or school. You won’t have to give up your daily routine. This is a great opportunity for those that struggle with addiction. It’s the best of both worlds.
If you have a loved one that is suffering from a substance abuse problem, it’s time to get them some help. While it’s easy for them to believe they are alone in this struggle that is the farthest thing from the truth. There are numerous people dealing with addiction, all over the world. Regardless of how bad drug or alcohol use has become, help is always available. Contact Freedom Detox if you or someone you know needs alcohol detox in Charlotte, NC. We are here to help them get back on track to a healthier, happier life.
