Sue Scheff: INHALE Intelligence on INHALANTS – Be an Educated Parent
by Sue Scheff on Jan 03, 2010
The National Inhalant Prevention Coalition Awareness will help you learn about Inhalant Abuse. As 2010 rolls in shortly, start now in being an educated parent on this very serious issue teens are trying.
Did you know:
One on five students in America has used an inhalant to get high by the time he or she reaches the eighth grade. Parents don’t know that inhalants, cheap, legal and accessible products, are as popular among middle school students as marijuana. Even fewer know the deadly effects the poisons in these products have on the brain and body when they are inhaled or “huffed.” It’s like playing Russian Roulette. The user can die the 1st, 10th or 100th time a product is misused as an inhalant. – National Inhalant Prevention Coalition
Inhalant abuse is a serious concern especially since these products are easily accessible as well as common household products. They’re all over your house. They’re in your child’s school. In fact, you probably picked some up the last time you went to the grocery store. Educate yourself. Find out about inhalants before your children do.
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. You’re probably familiar with many of these substances — paint, glue and others. But you probably don’t know that there are more than 1,000 products that are very dangerous when inhaled — things like typewriter correction fluid, air-conditioning refrigerant, felt tip markers, spray paint, air freshener, butane and even cooking spray. See Products Abused as Inhalants for more details.
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. See Characteristics of Users and Signs of an Inhalant User for more details.
Source: National Inhalant Prevention Coalition
WATCH 60 SECOND PSA VIDEO. YOU COULD SAVE A LIFE. Be an educated parent.
Also on Examiner.
Tags: Bagging, Huffing, Inhalant Abuse, Inhalant Use, Inhalants, Parenting Teens, Parenting Tips, Parents Universal Resource Experts, Sniffing, Sue Scheff, Teen Depression, Teen Drug Abuse, Teen Health
Sue Scheff: Inhalant Abuse and Teens
by Sue Scheff on Jul 26, 2009
Inhalant use among teens is more common than parents want to believe. Why? Usually because the products are accessible, right in your own home. It is critical that you are an educated parent – learn more about household products and how teens are using them to get high. Of course, I don’t mean all teens, but if you suspect your child is using, open those lines of communication, it could save a life.
What is Inhalant Abuse?
Source: Inhalant.org
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.
Huffing, Sniffing, Dusting and Bagging
Inhalation is referred to as huffing, sniffing, dusting or bagging and generally occurs through the nose or mouth. Huffing is when a chemically soaked rag is held to the face or stuffed in the mouth and the substance is inhaled. Sniffing can be done directly from containers, plastic bags, clothing or rags saturated with a substance or from the product directly. With Bagging, substances are sprayed or deposited into a plastic or paper bag and the vapors are inhaled. This method can result in suffocation because a bag is placed over the individual’s head, cutting off the supply of oxygen.
Other methods used include placing inhalants on sleeves, collars, or other items of clothing that are sniffed over a period of time. Fumes are discharged into soda cans and inhaled from the can or balloons are filled with nitrous oxide and the vapors are inhaled. Heating volatile substances and inhaling the vapors emitted is another form of inhalation. All of these methods are potentially harmful or deadly. Experts estimate that there are several hundred deaths each year from Inhalant Abuse, although under-reporting is still a problem.
What Products Can be Abused?
Tags: At Risk Teens, Huffing, Inhalant Abuse, Inhalant Use, Parenting, Parenting Teens, Parenting Tips, Parents Universal Resource Experts, Peer Pressure, Sniffing, Sue Scheff, Teen Drug Use, Teen Health, Teen Help, Teen Issues, Troubled Teens
Sue Scheff: Michael Jackson’s death is a warning to parents about teen drug use
by Sue Scheff on Jun 30, 2009
Parents need to learn about drug use, especially during the summer months. Teen peer pressure can contribute to your teen or tween to experimenting with drugs - but remember, experimentation can lead to addiction. The loss of a music ICON can also be a time to open lines of communication with your kids. Start today.
Source: Examiner.com
By Michael Velardo
Michael Jackson’s death is a warning to parents about teen drug use
With Michael Jackson’s death still fresh in everyone’s mind, it is important to remember that there are many people in America with the same kind of problems he is alleged to have had. Although Michael’s notoriety has extreme draw power, we can’t forget about those 2500 teens who wake up every morning and get high for the first time on prescription drugs, some eventually ending up dead.
That is why, in this 2nd part series, I have short-listed some behaviors you can look for in your teen to help you determine whether he/she is using drugs or not. Although not an exhaustive list, it is a primer that will give you at least some knowledge of what you are dealing with. I’ve also included links where you can find extensive information on the topic as well as join in a community of parents with the same concerns. You can even subscribe to newsletters, emails that will provide you with tips, and information about teen drug abuse.
Please remember that exibiting these behaviors may not necessarilly mean your teen is using, but don’t use that to go into a state of denial. In fact, your teen may be in denial about drug use. The following information was taken from Partnership for a Drug Free America.
Your teen may be using if you notice any of these behaviors:
Behavioral Issues
A difference in family relationships or change in friends
Unable to focus
Edgy/hyperactive
Withdrawn/likes to be alone
Overly tired/sleeps alot
Hostile/angry more often
Starts lying/hiding things
Loud and obnoxious behavior
Slurred speech
Pinpoint pupils (physical) (narcotic use)
Dilated pupils (physical) (may have taken acid, speed)
Nodding out
Extremes in energy followed by excessive sleep
Unusually clumsy, stumbling around
If you notice any of these changes, there is a good chance that your teen is using drugs and/or alcohol. There may be a good reason that the behavior is happening, but probably not.
For an exhaustive list of behaviors, including personal appearance issues, health issues, school.work issues, personal habit issues, home and/or car related issues, vist a Time to Act, by a Partnership for a Drug Free America. There, you will find an exhaustive list of behaviors, both physical and psychological that will enlighten, and arm you with the information you need to identify a drug problem, and more importantly, what to do if you discover one.
Please look over this site, as it contains a lot of information you can access for substance abuse problems, educational information, etc.
Tags: Inhalant Abuse, Parenting Teens, Parents Universal Resource Experts, Peer Pressure, Sue Scheff, Teen Depression, Teen Drug Use, Teen Health, Teen Help, Troubled Teens
Sue Scheff: Parents Learn How to Talk their Kids about Inhalant Abuse
by Sue Scheff on Jun 07, 2009
Inhalant Use needs to be addressed more – many parents are discussing with their children about the use of drug and alcholol. Please note that inhalants can be much more accessible to your teen or tween than other substances. Many inhalants are household items such as nail polish remover, cooking spray, spray paint etc.
Inhalant.org offers great advice and how to speak with your kids according to their age. Learn more by visiting http://www.inhalant.org/parents/tips.php and find your child’s age group.
Here is the 12- 18 year old Talkig Tips List:
• Ask your pre-teen or teenager if he or she knows about Inhalant Abuse or
is aware of other kids abusing products.
• Reinforce peer resistance skills. Tell him or her that sniffing products to get
high is not the way to fit in. Inhalants are harmful: the “high” comes with
high cost.
• Encourage your child to come to you if he or she has any questions about
Inhalants.
• Tell your child that the consequences of Inhalant Abuse are as dangerous as
those from abusing alcohol or using illegal drugs. Be absolutely clear
— emphasize that unsafe actions and risky behavior have serious consequences.
• Monitor your teen’s activities — set boundaries, ask questions. Be firm,
know his or her friends and his or her friends’ parents, know where they
meet to “hang out.”
• Educate your child about the dangers, but don’t mention specific
substances unless your child brings them up. While many youngsters know
kids are sniffing some substances, they may not know the full range of
products that can be abused; and you don’t want to give them suggestions.
• Tell your children that you love them and that their safety is your number
one priority. Tell them again…and again…and again.
Tags: Huffing, Inhalant Abuse, Inhalant Use, Parenting, parenting advice, Parenting Blogs, Parenting Teens, Parenting Tips, Parents Universal Resource Experts, Sniffing, Sue Scheff, Teen Help
Sue Scheff: Teens and Drug Use (TheAntiDrug.com)
by Sue Scheff on May 02, 2009
As a parent advocate, I always welcome valuable information and websites that can help educate parents and others with today’s concerns with substance abuse and other issues surrounding our children. TheAntiDrug.com website has a wide variety of educational information for parents and adult caregivers of teens – also check out the Q&A below with Karen Reed, the American Pharmacists Association’s national spokesperson for American Pharmacists.
TheAntiDrug.com – a Web site created by the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy to equip parents and adult caregivers with the tools they need to raise drug-free kids. You might have seen ads on TV recently calling attention to the issue of teen prescription drug abuse.
Unfortunately, growing numbers of teens are abusing prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs to get high or to cope with school and social pressures. Many teens say these drugs are not only easy to get, but also that they think they are a safe way to get high. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), everyday 2,000 kids age 12 to 17 abuse a painkiller for the very first time. SAMHSA also finds:
• More teens abuse prescription drugs than any illicit drug except marijuana
• Among 12- and 13-year-olds, prescription drugs are the drug of choice
To provide answers to common parent questions about teen prescription drug abuse, TheAntiDrug.com has teamed up with pharmacist Karen Reed, spokesperson for the American Pharmacists Association.
The Rx drug information is currently highlighted on the homepage of http://www.theantidrug.com, including an interactive house tour (http://www.theantidrug.com/drug_info/prescription_dangerZones.asp) which highlights locations where teens can find prescription and OTC drugs, tips for parents on how to prevent abuse and to talk to your teen about prescription drug abuse, along with much more.
Q&A with Karen Reed, spokesperson for the American Pharmacists Association
Q: I hear about kids taking various pills – uppers, downers, painkillers, etc., that have been prescribed for their parents. What can those drugs do to teens who have not been prescribed those medications?
A: It is always difficult to predict what type of reaction teens will have to medication not prescribed for them, especially when we don’t know the dose they will abuse — and if it will be taken with other drugs or alcohol. Uppers can cause hostility, paranoia, or seizures. These drugs can affect motor skills, impair judgment, and affect the heart. Downers and painkillers can decrease concentration, impair judgment, and slow motor skills. Taking downers and painkillers in excess can also cause sedation and seizures. Imagine a teen driver under the influence of these drugs driving a motor vehicle — this combination could prove deadly as well. (http://www.theantidrug.com/drug_info/prescription_dangers.asp)
Q: My son tells me his friends take pills that aren’t theirs and sometimes take them when they’re drinking alcohol. What is the resulting effect and what can I tell him to scare him away from experimenting?
A: No one, adults or teens, should take medication with alcohol. Teens who are taking medication that is not prescribed for them are probably also taking excessive doses. And mixing that medication with alcohol could prove deadly for teenagers. The effect of the medication could be intensified, causing the teen to stop breathing or have a seizure that could be fatal. If this practice is combined with driving, others could be injured as well. The combination of medication and alcohol could lead to poor judgment that could cause serious injuries or worse. Teenagers often feel invincible. The combination of drugs and alcohol may intensify this belief.
Q: We keep cold, cough, and other over-the-counter medications in the house. What is the best way to monitor those medications?
A: Over-the-counter medications are safe and effective for some people when used properly under a medical professional’s guidance. However, the ingredients, when abused, can be taken to get high. Therefore keep them in limited quantities and monitor their use as you would a prescription drug. Never use them to help your teen or yourself sleep. Children (regardless of their age) mimic adult behavior. Be a good role model and never abuse OTC products yourself. (http://www.theantidrug.com/drug_info/prescription_wcyd_good_example.asp)
Q: My child has prescribed medications she takes regularly. How do I ensure those pills are not abused?
A: Keep track of the number of pills that should be on hand. Keep track of refills, lost pills, and request for refills. Paying close attention to use will help prevent abuse.
Q: What are some of the signs I can look for if I suspect my teen has been abusing prescription drugs?
A: It is easy for parents to miss prescription drug abuse because mood changes, temper outbursts, changes in sleeping habits and interests are typical teenage behaviors. You can smell alcohol and tobacco and marijuana — you can’t smell pills. Watch for changes in grooming, habits, and interests. Watch for negative changes in school work, school attendance, and declining grades. Watch for increased secrecy, changes in friends, and increased needs for money. Monitor your own prescription drugs and encourage friends and family to do the same. (http://www.theantidrug.com/drug_info/prescription_abusing_signs_symptoms.asp)
Karen L. Reed, the American Pharmacists Association’s national spokesperson for American Pharmacists Month, is a graduate of West Virginia University School of Pharmacy and a staff pharmacist with Kmart in Beckley, West Virginia. She is a consultant pharmacist for Beckley Surgery Center and is serving her second term as chair of West Virginia’s Medicaid Drug Utilization Review Board. Reed is a preceptor for WVU PharmD candidates and a GlaxoSmithKline community pharmacy advisory board member. She is an APhA Fellow, past APhA- Academy of Pharmacy Practice and Management officer, past President of the West Virginia Pharmacists Association, recipient of the National Community Pharmacists Association Leadership Award, Merck Pharmacist Recognition Award, and the Wyeth-Ayerst Bowl of Hygeia. In 2002, Reed was named Kmart Pharmacist of the Year.
Tags: AntiDrug, Inhalant Abuse, Mental Health Services, Parenting Teens, Parents Universal Resource Experts, SAMHSA, Struggling Teens, Sue Scheff, Teen Drug Use, Teen Health, Teen Help, Teen Issues, Teen substance abuse, Troubled Teens
Sue Scheff: Inhalant Abuse Prevention Kit
by Sue Scheff on Apr 26, 2009
Source: Inhalant.org
Download this valuable kit today and learn more about inhalant use. It is a serious concern today – since most inhalants are found in your household.
The Alliance for Consumer Education launched ITS Inhalant Abuse Prevention Kit at a national press conference at the National Press Club in Washington DC. The kit was successfully tested in 6 pilot states across the country. Currently, ACE’s Inhalant Abuse Prevention Kit is in all 50 states. Furthermore, the Kit is in its third printing due to high demands.
The Kit is intended for presentations to adult audiences. Specifically parents of elementary and middle school children, so they can talk to their children about the dangers and risks associated with Inhalants. We base the program on data from the Partnership for a Drug-Free America. Statistics show that parents talking to their kids about drugs decrease the risk of the kids trying a drug.
The Inhalant Abuse Prevention Kit contains 4 components: the Facilitator’s Guide, a FAQ sheet, an interactive PowerPoint presentation, and a “What Every Parent Needs to Know about Inhalant Abuse” brochure. Additionally, there are 4 printable posters for classroom use, presentations, etc.
Tags: At Risk Teens, Huffing, Inhalant Abuse, Inhalant Use, Parenting, parenting advice, Parenting Teens, Parenting Tips, Parents Universal Resource Experts, Sniffing, Sue Scheff, Teen Drug Use, Teen Health, Teen Help
Sue Scheff: Inhalant Use and Teens
by Sue Scheff on Apr 13, 2009
About a year ago, a mother emailed me about her son’s tragic death – it wasn’t your typical drug overdose, it was normal household items that teens/kids are now using as a high. Inhalant Abuse is not discussed enough, and needs to be. These items are much easier for teens to find and a lot less expensive. A cheap high? It is awful to even have to think like this, but parents needs to be aware and take pre-cautions. As always, communication with our teens is number #1 – and I recommend you visit www.inhalant.org for more valuable information about this potentially deadly habit.
Source: Connect with Kids
“They didn’t want to believe that I had a problem … their little girl, you know?”
– Kelli Crockett, 18 years old
Five years ago, 18-year-old Kelli Crockett was already drinking and smoking pot, but she wanted a different “high.”
“And I remember in middle school, actually a drug awareness program hearing about the inhalants, like the household products, you know, and I was like, ‘I know we’ve got something around the house,’ and I really wanted to get messed up,” Kelli says.
Air freshener, glue, paint thinner, furniture polish, hair spray: The government estimates over 17 percent of adolescents have tried inhalants at least once.
Certified Addiction Counselor Ashley Kilpatrick explains: “It’s accessible, I mean, that’s what the problem with inhalants is that they’re just so easy, they’re under the kitchen sink.”
Inhalants cut off oxygen to the brain, and that makes them extremely dangerous. Huffing just once can kill.
“It just feels toxic … you’re high for five minutes and then you feel sick,” Kilpatrick says.
Kelli adds, “I hated the way it made me feel, but … when I didn’t have anything else to use or drink or smoke, I did it cause it was around.”
Experts say a child who’s high on inhalants may seem drunk or disoriented. Parents should also look for signs around the house, like aerosol cans that are out of pressure or punctured on the bottom. There’s also a hangover effect.
“Headaches afterwards, dehydration, you know, bad moods, all that can last up to 24 hours after a use,” Kilpatrick says.
But experts say parents won’t see the signs if they’re in denial.
Kelli says it took an overdose that nearly killed her for her parents to notice. “They didn’t want to believe that I had a problem … their little girl, you know?” she says.
Tips for Parents
Nail polish remover, paint thinner, canned whipping cream, marking pens: Each of these common household items – and literally hundreds more – can be abused by inhaling. Inhalants are volatile substances that produce chemical vapors that induce a psychoactive, or mind-altering, effect when inhaled. Kids sniff, or “huff,” to get high.
According to the National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug information (NCADI), sniffing can cause sickness and death. Victims may become nauseated, forgetful and unable to see things clearly. They may lose control of their bodies, including the use of arms and legs. The effects can last 15 to 45 minutes after inhaling. In addition, sniffing can severely damage the brain, heart, liver and kidneys. Even worse, victims can die suddenly – without any warning. It’s called “Sudden Sniffing Death,” which can occur during or right after sniffing. Even first-time abusers have been known to die from breathing inhalants.
More than 1,000 products are potential inhalants that can kill, including:
- Cleaning agents
- Computer agents
- Correction fluid
- Deodorizers
- Freon
- Gases (whippets, butane, propane)
- Gasoline
- Glue
- Hair spray
- Lighter fluid
- Markers
- Paint products
How can you tell if your child may be abusing inhalants? The NCADI lists the following symptoms to look for in your child:
- Unusual breath odor or chemical odor on clothing
- Slurred or disoriented speech
- Drunk, dazed or dizzy appearance
- Signs of paint or other products where they wouldn’t normally be, such as on the face or fingers
- Red or runny eyes or nose.
- Spots and/or sores around the mouth
- Nausea and/or loss of appetite
- Appears anxious, excitable, irritable or restlessness (chronic inhalers)
Inhalant abusers also may show the following behaviors:
- Sits with a pen or marker near nose
- Constantly smells clothing sleeves
- Shows paint or stain marks on the face, fingers or clothing
- Hides rags, clothes or empty containers of the potentially abused products in closets and other places
If you suspect your child or someone you know is an inhalant abuser, you should consider seeking professional help. Contact a local drug rehabilitation center or other service available in your community.
References
- National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information
- National Institute on Drug Abuse
Tags: At Risk Teens, Connect with Kids, Inhalant Abuse, Inhalant Use, Parenting, Parenting Teens, Parents Universal Resource Experts, Sue Scheff, Teen Depression, Teen Drug Use, Teen Health, Teen Help, Teen Issues
Sue Scheff: Talk to your Kids About Inhalant Abuse
by Sue Scheff on Mar 01, 2009
Inhalant Abuse is more prevalent than parents think – probably because they are more accessible to kids. Read the following parenting tips on how to talk to your pre-teens and teens about the dangers of inhalant use. Visit www.inhalant.org for more information.
Source: Inhalant Abuse
• Ask your pre-teen or teenager if he or she knows about Inhalant Abuse or
is aware of other kids abusing products.
• Reinforce peer resistance skills. Tell him or her that sniffing products to get
high is not the way to fit in. Inhalants are harmful: the “high” comes with
high cost.
• Encourage your child to come to you if he or she has any questions about
Inhalants.
• Tell your child that the consequences of Inhalant Abuse are as dangerous as
those from abusing alcohol or using illegal drugs. Be absolutely clear
— emphasize that unsafe actions and risky behavior have serious consequences.
• Monitor your teen’s activities — set boundaries, ask questions. Be firm,
know his or her friends and his or her friends’ parents, know where they
meet to “hang out.”
• Educate your child about the dangers, but don’t mention specific
substances unless your child brings them up. While many youngsters know
kids are sniffing some substances, they may not know the full range of
products that can be abused; and you don’t want to give them suggestions.
• Tell your children that you love them and that their safety is your number
one priority. Tell them again…and again…and again.
Tags: Huffing, Inhalant Abuse, Inhalant Use, Parenting Teens, Parents Universal Resource Experts, Sniffing, Struggling Teens, Sue Scheff, Teen Drug Use, Teen substance abuse, Troubled Teens
Sue Scheff: 20th Annual Teen Study Shows 25% Drop in Meth Use Over 3 Years; Marijuana Down 30% Over 10 Years
by Sue Scheff on Feb 27, 2009
Data Reveal First Major Increase in Number of Teens Reporting “Learning a Lot” About Risks of Drug Use From Parents
Teen Abuse of Prescription and Over-The-Counter Medicines Remains a Serious Concern
NEW YORK, NY – February 24, 2009 – The Partnership for a Drug-Free America today announced the findings from the 2008 Partnership Attitude Tracking Study, (PATS) which revealed the first major increase in the number of teens who reported “learning a lot” about the risks of drugs from their parents. The study shows that 37 percent of teens reported learning a lot about the risks of drugs from their parents, a significant 16 percent increase from the previous year and the first major increase since the inception of the study. Research consistently shows that teens who learn a lot about the risks of drugs at home are up to 50 percent less likely to use, yet many parents have difficulty talking with their kids about drugs and alcohol.
This progress coincides with data showing remarkable, sustained declines in several drugs of abuse – notably methamphetamine (meth) and marijuana – over the past several years.
“Parent-child communication about the risks of drugs and alcohol is critically important, and research has shown a lack of parental awareness of adolescent substance use,” said Dr. Amelia Arria, a senior scientist at the Treatment Research Institute and a nationally recognized researcher on the identification of risk factors for adolescent and young adult drug involvement. “This study may indicate that parents and teens are finding some common language and that these important messages are getting through. We hope to see this trend continue to increase, as there’s still much work to be done.”
According to the study, teen meth use has experienced a steep three-year drop, with past-month use down to 3 percent of teens – a significant 25 percent decline versus 2005. Teen attitudes about meth use corroborate this drop – 83 percent of teens see great risk in using meth regularly, about 85 percent see great risk in “getting hooked on meth” and more than half of teens, (54 percent) see trying meth once or twice as very risky.
While marijuana remains the most widely used illegal drug among teens, PATS indicates marijuana use has been declining for a decade, with past-year use down 24 percent since 1998, and past-month use down a full 30 percent (from 23 percent of teens down to 16 percent) over the same time period. Teen attitudes also reflect growing social disapproval of the drug, with 35 percent of teens agreeing strongly they “don’t want to hang around with anyone who uses marijuana,” up from 28 percent a decade ago.
The study also indicates a strong correlation between increased teen exposure to anti-drug messages on television and a decreased likelihood of trying drugs over the past ten years. Four out of ten teens (41 percent) agreed that anti-drug messages made them more aware of the risks of using drugs and less likely to try drugs (42 percent).
Red Flag: Parents Still Not Discussing Abuse of Prescription and Over-The-Counter Medicines
Despite the increase in parent-teen discussions, only 24 percent of teens report that their parents talked with them about the dangers of prescription (Rx) drug abuse or use of medications outside of a doctor’s supervision; just 18 percent of teens say their parents discuss the risks of abusing over-the-counter (OTC) cough medicine.
“The strong declines in illegal use combined with the news that teens are learning a lot about drugs and alcohol at home underscores the power and influence of parents,” said Steve Pasierb, president and CEO of the Partnership. “Yet too many parents are missing opportunities to talk about the intentional abuse of prescription and OTC medications, which is the most pressing—and least understood— threat to our kids. This risky behavior is still not on parents’ radar, many of whom don’t realize that when abused or used without a prescription, these medications can be every bit as dangerous as illegal drugs.”
According to the survey, about 1 in 5 teens (19 percent) or 4.7 million reports abusing a prescription medication at least once in their lives, and 1 in 10 teens (10 percent) or 2.5 million teens reports having abused a prescription pain reliever in the past year. About 7 percent or 1.7 million teens have reported OTC cough medicine abuse in the past year. The prevalence of and attitudes behind this behavior are cause for ongoing concern. PATS shows 41 percent of teens mistakenly believe that abuse of medicines is less dangerous than abuse of illegal street drugs and 61 percent of teens report prescription drugs are easier to get than illegal drugs, up significantly from 56 percent in 2005.
One positive note is teen attitudes toward the abuse of OTC cough medicine have improved with the number of teens who agree that “taking cough medicine to get high is risky” significantly increased from 45 percent in 2007 to 48 percent last year.
Warning Signs: Teens See Slightly Less Risk in Steroid and Inhalant Use
Steroid use remains low at 4 percent for lifetime use among teens. While there has been little overall change in the number of teens who see “great risk” in abusing steroids, fewer teens this year (65 percent) agreed strongly that teens who use steroids for athletic performance or physical appearance are putting their health at risk, down from 69 percent last year.
Pre-teen and teen inhalant use remains steady at 11 percent for past year use, yet only 66 percent of teens report that “sniffing or huffing things to get high can kill you.” Both categories of abuse merit careful monitoring— as attitudes towards inhalant and steroid abuse weaken, use is more likely to increase.
“We must be vigilant when attitudes show signs of weakening because this may portend future increases in substance use,” said Pasierb.
Insight: Today’s Teens More Open About Discussing Substance Abuse, Seeking Help for Friends
The 20th annual study offers new insights into the way the current generation of teens view substance abuse. PATS 2008 showed a statistically significant increase in the number of teens who reported trying to talk a friend out of using drugs at 41 percent and 40 percent of teens report being aware that they have a family member with a drug or alcohol problem.
“With over 6,500 teens from across the nation in the study, these data indicate this generation has greater sensitivity to the health risks and downsides of substance abuse,” said Pasierb. “Teens live in a world of social networking and connectedness – they’re more open, constantly sharing their thoughts and experiences. Teens recognize the impact of use, know others with a problem and seem to attach less stigma to getting help for themselves or a friend who is in trouble.”
Given that kids who learn a lot about the dangers of drugs from their parents are up to 50 percent less likely to ever use, parents are encouraged to have frequent ongoing conversations with their children about the dangers of drugs and alcohol and the abuse of Rx and OTC drugs. Parent visitors to http://www.drugfree.org/ can learn to talk with their kids about drugs and alcohol and take charge of the conversation with their kids.
The 20th annual national study of 6,518 teens in grades 7-12 is nationally projectable with a +/- 1.3 percent margin of error. PATS Teens 2008 was conducted in private, public and parochial schools for the Partnership by the Roper Public Affairs Division of GfK Custom Research. For more information and the full PATS Teens Report visit www.drugfree.org.
About the Partnership
The Partnership for a Drug-Free America is a national non-government, nonprofit organization that unites parents, renowned scientists and communications professionals to help families raise healthy children. Best known for its research-based national public education programs, the Partnership motivates and equips parents to prevent their children from alcohol and drug abuse, intervene when drug and alcohol use is present and to find help and treatment for family and friends in trouble. Visit drugfree.org for more information.
http://www.drugfree.org/Portal/About/NewsReleases/20th_Annual_Teen_Study
Tags: At Risk Teens, Drug Free America, Inhalant Abuse, Parents Universal Resource Experts, Parneting teen, Struggling Teens, Substance Abuse, Sue Scheff, Teen drug addiction, Teen Drug Use, Teen Help
Sue Scheff: Inhalant Abuse and Teen Substance Abuse
by Sue Scheff on Nov 29, 2008
More and more parents are concerned with today’s teen drug use and substance abuse, but few realized that Inhalant Abuse is part of this major problem and believe it or not, the products are more accessible to many of our teens. Being an educated parent can help you protect your teen and recognize the warning signs.
Visit – www.inhalant.org for valuable information that could save a life and give you parenting tips that are priceless.
Receive your Inhalant Tool Kit Today.
Welcome to the Alliance for Consumer Education’s (ACE) inhalant abuse prevention site! ACE is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing community health and well-being.
Did you know 1 in 5 children will abuse inhalants by the 8th grade? Inhalant abuse refers to the deliberate inhalation or sniffing of fumes, vapors or gases from common household products for the purpose of “getting high”.
This site is designed to assist you in learning more about inhalant abuse prevention and giving you tools to help raise the awareness of others. While here be sure to check out our free printable resources, and post any comments or questions on ACE’s community message board.
Tags: Drug Use, Huffing, Inhalant Abuse, Inhalant Use, Parenting Teens, Parents Universal Resource Experts, Sniffing, Struggling Teens, Substance Abuse, Sue Scheff, Teen drug addiction, Teen Drug Use, Teen Help
