Parents usually relate drug abuse with their teen smoking pot or taking pills. They don't realize that their own home can be filled with products that teens are using to get high with.
What is inhalant abuse?
Inhalant abuse refers to the deliberate inhalation or sniffing of common products found in homes and communities with the purpose of “getting high.” Inhalants are easily accessible, legal, everyday products. When used as intended, these products have a useful purpose in our lives and enhance the quality of life, but when intentionally misused, they can be deadly. Inhalant Abuse is a lesser recognized form of substance abuse, but it is no less dangerous. Inhalants are addictive and are considered to be “gateway” drugs because children often progress from inhalants to illegal drug and alcohol abuse. The National Institute on Drug Abuse reports that one in five American teens have used Inhalants to get high.
Here is a list of inhalants that are in many homes – click here.
Warning signs and slang that your teen or child may be using inhalants:
Monitoring your child will make your child much less likely to use Inhalants or other drugs.
· Know where your child is at all times, especially after school
· Know your child’s friends
· If you find your child unconscious, or you suspect your child is under the influence of an Inhalant, call 911 immediately.
If you suspect your child might be abusing Inhalants, call the Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222; or call the ’1-800′ number on the label of the product.
According to the Partnership for a Drug-Free America, “if you talk to your kids about the risks of drugs, they are 36% less likely to abuse an Inhalant.” Parents can make a tremendous impact on their kids’ choices by talking to them.
Be an educated parent, you will have safer children and teens.
For more information visit www.inhalant.org.
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