USA (MNN) — Summer fair season is coming to a close in the United States. The iconic Ferris Wheel will always hold memories for parents in a Midwest small town, but not in the way you might expect.
Brandon Bower with The Lighthouse recalls the tragic incident years ago involving a local teen: “This kid was huffing spray paint while he was driving, passed out, wrecked his car into one of those Ferris Wheels, and impaled himself in the process.”
Arizona teen Renna O’Rourke met a similar fate earlier this summer. She went into a fatal cardiac arrhythmia after participating in a social media challenge called “dusting,” or inhaling computer keyboard dusting spray to get high.
O’Rourke was pronounced brain dead after spending four days in the intensive care unit.
Referred to as “huffing,” “dusting,” or “chroming,” inhalant abuse is popular among teenagers because it’s affordable and accessible. Deaths usually occur from cardiac arrest, a lack of oxygen to the brain, or accidents that happen while intoxicated, such as car wrecks or falls.
(Photo courtesy of Edgar Chaparro/Unsplash)
“Inhalants cut off oxygen to the brain,” Bower says.
“It can damage the way you think for life. It can also cause heart problems and damage to your organs.”
Thankfully, the signs of inhalant abuse are hard to hide. “Something I think parents can look for is stumbling around like they’re drunk, or a chemical breath odor, paint stains on your face, red eyes, slurred speech, or a dazed mentality,” Bower says.
“You’re looking for things to disappear from under your cabinet; things with a high (chemical) odor.”
The Lighthouse offers a biblical approach to addiction recovery. More about that here. Reach out to The Lighthouse if you have further questions or need guidance on addressing substance abuse issues.
Ask the Lord to give Bower and the Lighthouse team wisdom as they use the Word of God to address life-altering addictions.
“We can always use prayer. We’re dealing with some dark things when it comes to drugs and alcohol and other addictions,” Bower says.
Header image is a representative stock photo courtesy of Steve Shreve/Unsplash.
