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: Prevention of Teen Drug Addiction
by Sue Scheff on Aug 06, 2009
Why do they start? What Should I Look For?
A major factor in drug use is peer pressure. Even teens who think they’re above the influence of peer pressure can often find it hard to refuse trying drugs when they believe their popularity is at stake. Teens may feel that taking drugs or alcohol to fit in is safer than becoming a perceived social exile, and may not realize that their friends will not abandon them simply for refusing a joint or bottle of beer. A popular adage that is thrown around regarding peer pressure says if your friends would abandon you for not accepting an illegal substance, they’re not “real” friends- but try telling this to a teenager. A more effective method is to acknowledge the pressure to fit in and work with your teen to find solutions to these problems before they arise. Suggest that your teen offer to be the designated driver at parties, and work with them to develop a strategy for other situations.
Even agreeing to back your teen up on a carefully crafted story can help enforce your bond with them- giving them the okay to tell their friends to blame you or that you give them random drug tests will go a long way. Knowing they have your support in such a sensitive subject can alleviate many of their fears, and knowing they can trust you helps instill the idea they can come to you with other problems. This is also an excellent time to remind them to never allow friends to drive under the influence and to never get into a car with someone under the influence. Reassure your teenager that if they should give in to peer pressure and become intoxicated or high, or if they have no sober ride home though they are sober themselves that it is always okay to call you for a ride home. Some parents may want to consider getting teens a cell phone for emergency use, or giving them an emergency credit card for cab fare.
Depression is another major factor in drug use. For more in depth information on teenage depression, please visit Sue Scheff™’s Teen Depression Resource. Despite the fact that many substances actually make depression worse, teenagers may be lured in by the initial high, which in theory is only replenished by more drugs. Thus begins the vicious cycle that becomes nearly impossible to break without costly rehabilitation. If you notice your teen is acting differently, it may be time to have a talk with them to address these changes. Remember- do not accuse your teen or criticize them. Drug use is a serious cry for help, and making them feel ashamed or embarrassed can make the problem worse. Some common behavior changes you may notice if your teen is abusing drugs and alcohol are:
- Violent outbursts, disrespectful behavior
- Poor or dropping grades
- Unexplained weight loss or gain
- Skin abrasions, track marks
- Missing curfew, running away, truancy
- Bloodshot eyes, distinct “skunky” odor on clothing and skin
- Missing jewelry money
- New friends
- Depression, apathy, withdrawal
- Reckless behavior
Tags: At Risk Teens, Inhalant Use, Parenting Teens, Parents Universal Resource Experts, Peer Pressure, Sue Scheff, Teen drug addiction, Teen Drug Use, Teen Health, Teen Help, Troubled Teens
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: 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: 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: 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
