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Dear Parents ,
'Tis the season for our kids to enjoy the freedom of
vacation. Most will; some won't. As it is also the time when
many kids start experimenting with alcohol and other drugs,
particularly the summer before entering middle school.
Last week I talked about "whippits."
This week: Some more scary stuff: "inhalants."
Most parents are in the dark regarding the
popularity and dangers of inhalant use. But, as the National
Inhalant Prevention Coalition warns, kids are quickly discovering
that common household products are inexpensive to obtain,
easy to hide and the easiest way to get high. Inhaling dangerous
products is becoming one of the most widespread problems in
the country..... as popular as marijuana with young people.
More than a million people used inhalants to get high just
last year. By the time a student reaches the 8th grade, one
in five will have used inhalants.
What is inhalant use? Inhalant use
refers to the intentional breathing of gas or vapors with
the purpose of reaching a high. Inhalants are legal, everyday
products which have a useful purpose, but can be misused...such
as paint, glue and others. More than 1,000 products are very
dangerous when inhaled -- things like typewriter correction
fluid, glue, spray paint, air-freshener conditioning refrigerant,
felt tip markers, butane and even cooking spray.
Who is at risk? Inhalants are an equal
opportunity method of substance abuse. Statistics show that
young, white males have the highest usage rates. Hispanic
and American Indian populations also show high rates of usage.
What can inhalants do to the body?
Nearly all abused products produce effects similar to anesthetics,
which slow down the body's function. Varying upon level of
dosage, the user can experience slight stimulation, feeling
of less inhibition or loss of consciousness. The user can
also suffer from Sudden Sniffing Death Syndrome. This
means the user can die the 1st, 10th or 100th time he or she
uses an inhalant. Other effects include damage to the
heart, kidney, brain, liver, bone marrow and other organs.
Inhalants are physically and psychologically addicting and
users suffer withdrawal symptoms.
What can I do if someone I know is huffing
and appears in a state of crisis? If someone you know
is huffing, the best thing to do is remain calm and seek help.
Agitation may cause the huffer to become violent, experience
hallucinations or suffer heart dysfunction which can cause
Sudden Sniffing Death Syndrome. Make sure the room is well
ventilated and call EMS. If the person is not breathing, administer
CPR. Once recovered, seek professional treatment and counseling.
What should I tell my child or students
about inhalants? It is never too early to teach your children
about the dangers of inhalants. Don't just say "not my
kid." Inhalant use starts as early as elementary school
and is considered a gateway to further substance abuse. Parents
often remain ignorant of inhalant use or do not educate their
children until it is too late. Inhalants are not drugs. They
are poisons and toxins and should be discussed as such.
Can inhalant use be treated? Treatment
facilities for inhalant users are rare and difficult to find.
Users suffer a high rate of relapse, and require thirty to
forty days or more of detoxification. Users suffer withdrawal
symptoms which can include hallucinations, nausea, excessive
sweating, hand tremors, muscle cramps, headaches, chills and
delirium tremens. Follow-up treatment is very important. If
you or someone you know is seeking help for inhalant abuse,
you can contact the National Inhalant Prevention Coalition
at 1-800-269-4237 for information on treatment centers and
general information on inhalants.
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