The alarming trend of ‘chroming’ involves adolescents inhaling hydrocarbons from everyday products to achieve a high. This dangerous practice is seeing a resurgence, especially among teens.
Understanding the risks and signs of chroming is crucial for parents to protect their children and address this hazardous behaviour.
Chroming, also known as huffing, refers to the practice of getting high by inhaling hydrocarbons from legal products. These include permanent markers, aerosol deodorant, nail polish, and even gasoline. Dr. Anthony Pizon from the University of Pittsburgh highlights the widespread misuse of such products among the youth.
Although inhalant abuse peaked in the 1990s and declined over the years, recent data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health shows an increase in experimentation rates among teens. Experts like Dr. Betty Choi note the growing trend, exacerbated by social media influences.
Long-term abuse leads to severe consequences—ranging from kidney dysfunction to brain damage. Psychiatric issues like anxiety and depression are common, and in some cases, chroming can be fatal.
TikTok, for instance, now redirects searches for chroming-related content to resources on substance misuse. However, the accessibility and appeal of harmful behaviours persist, making it difficult to manage this issue effectively.
Open communication is essential. Engaging children in conversation about the dangers of chroming and monitoring their activities can help in early detection and prevention.
Limiting social media usage and using monitoring apps can also be effective. Discussing the alignment of chroming effects with the child’s goals can provide a practical perspective on its dangers.
Signs of a chroming overdose include confusion, numbness, and hallucinations. Immediate medical attention should be sought in such scenarios to prevent severe health outcomes.
Parents must stay informed about chroming and its risks. Early intervention and open dialogue can prevent serious health consequences.
By understanding the allure and dangers of chroming, parents can better protect their children from this hazardous practice.
