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February 27, 2012 - Huffing. Inhalents. The breathing in of chemicals in order to obtain a high. It only lasts a few seconds, but can be addictive. And deadly.
Inhalant abuse isn't anything new. People of all ages are finding new chemicals to inhale whenever their old products are discontinued or the ingredients are changed. But helium? Inhaling helium just makes you laugh and causes your voice sound like a mouse, right?. It's funny, isn't it? No, it's really not. Last week in Eagle Point, Oregon, a 14-year old girl died after huffing helium - at the urging of her friends.
Ashley Long told her parents she was going to a slumber party, but she went to another party instead. One where alcohol and marijuana were being freely passed around. But those things aren't what killed her. In fact, Ashley didn't even try the marijuana. But she did try the helium. Then she passed out. Then she died.
Inhaling helium can cause an air bubble to get into the bloodstream and can block blood flow to the brain, causing a stroke. What people don't seem to understand is that inhaling chemicals replaces the oxygen, thereby denying the body of the life-sustaining nutrient.
When Ashley passed out, someone did try to revive her with CPR, but it was too late. Don't let it be too late for anyone else. Parents, talk to your kids about the dangers of inhalents. Kids, don't let peer pressure talk you into doing something you know isn't safe. Let's not have another Ashley.
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