Examiner.com

  Sprite bottle used for huffing paint

Twelve year old kids are more likely to use lethal inhalants than marijuana, cocaine and hallucinogens combined, according to data released today, 3-11-2010, by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) working with the 18th annual National Inhalants & Poisons Awareness Week.

Called "huffing", inhalants are extremely dangerous because their is no "dosage control" making it very easy to overdose, and even die.

"Young people sniff products such as refrigerant from air conditioning units, aerosol computer cleaners, shoe polish, glue, correction fluid, air fresheners, hair sprays, nail polish, paint solvents, degreasers, gasoline or lighter fluids," according to the SAMHSA report.

Kids use these substances to get high, and one of the reasons is that they are cheap, and easy to obtain. Households contain numerous chemicals you can get high from. However, use of these chemicals can cause what is termed "Sudden Sniffing Death" due to cardiac arrest. These chemicals can also cause other health problems, because they are in fact toxic to organic life. The liver, kidneys, can suffer seriious harm as they are responsible for breaking down, and eliminating toxins.

"SAMHSA data from the 2006-2008 National Surveys on Drug Use and Health show a rate of lifetime inhalant use among 12 year olds of 6.9 percent, compared to a rate of 5.1 percent for nonmedical use of prescription type drugs; a rate of 1.4 percent for marijuana; a rate of 0.7 percent for use of hallucinogens; and a 0.1 rate for cocaine use," the report stated.

National Inhalant Prevention Coalition information

SAMHSA data

NIDA, National Institute on Drug Abuse inhalants findings

ONDCP inhalant material

The information is troubling at the very least. Parents must take a proactive approach to educating their children about the dangers of drugs, and of course inhalants.

At a time when substance abuse rates are climbing, especially with prescription drug abuse among teens, and funding being pulled for drug treatment, education, and prevention services, it is essential that parents take the lead in educating their kids.

Navigating the Teen Years: A Parents Handbook for Raising Healthy Teens   (pdf)

If you or a loved one needs help with any type of drug problem, contact these sites depending on where you live. SEMCA (Wayne County residents), CARE (Macomb County residents), PACE (Oakland County residents), Drug Free Detroit (City of Detroit residents). For those residing outside the State of Michigan, contact SAMHSA for assistance.

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(Photo by DarkSideOfTheSpoon Wikimedia Creative Commons)

Inhalant death public service announcement