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The Silent Epidemic, Huffing |
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There are over 1,000 common household and classroom products that can be used as inhalants, according to the National Institute of Drug Abuse. "Huffing" is a form of drug abuse that is on the rise with our young people at an alarming rate. These products are so common, you most likely would not be alarmed if you saw a teen buying them. After all, would you stop to realize that
something as seemingly harmless as hair spray, whipped cream or air freshener could be used as harmful drugs? These products typically contain gases such as butane or toluene, which can harm the liver, kidneys and bone marrow, and also cause brain damage.
Most Huffers begin very young. According to a study by The Cape Cod Islands Partnership to Reduce Substance Abuse it was found that 1 out of 5 students had tried "huffing" by 7th grade. And inhalants were found to be the 3rd most abused substance, behind tobacco and alcohol, in the 12-14 year old age group, per the National Institute on Drug Abuse.
A California physician, who lost his 13 year old son to huffing spray-can propellants said he knew more about inhalants than most parents, yet there were important things he didn’t know. "I didn’t know about Sudden Sniffing Death. I didn’t know about the brain damage." He also said he didn’t know it was habituating, and that it wouldn’t be easy for his son to stop. Kids can die from abusing inhalants repeatedly, or even just once.
States a Juvenile Court Judge, "I see a lot of kids coming into court in all kinds of trouble and all kinds of problems. The one group of kids that scares me the most are kids using inhalants, or huffing as they call it". Would you recognize the warning signs of huffing?
- Chemical smell on child or child’s clothing
- Correction fluid on nose, fingers, or clothing
- Markers in pockets
- Red eyes, nonsensical talk, irritability
- Drunken appearance, slurred speech
- Unusual breath odor
- Decreased appetite
- Frequent headaches
- Sores around mouth
- Lack of concentration
- Low grades, school absences
Intervention The goal of this article has been to provide an overview of teen drug abuse and to make you keenly aware of the warning signs. Again, if the warning signs indicate that intervention is necessary, Teen Help can direct you to a number of effective resources available. Call us at 1-800-637-0701 or Visit our Residential Treatment Section found HERE.
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Jean Foye |
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