NCJ Number
200567
Date Published
2003
Length
18 pages
Annotation
After providing information on the nature and dangers of inhalant abuse, this booklet instructs parents in steps they can take to help prevent such abuse by their children.
Abstract
The 2000 National Household Survey on Drug Abuse (NHSDA) estimated that nearly 1 out of 10 youth has, in his/her lifetime, purposely sniffed (breathed in through the nose) or huffed the vapors of household products, such as glue, shoe polish, and cleaning fluids, for the purpose of "getting high." Such inhalant abuse can cause death from suffocation and severe health consequences such as brain, heart, kidney, and lung damage. Further, children who sniff inhalants when they are in grade school are more likely to experiment later with illicit drugs and alcohol. In instructing parents about how to prevent their children from engaging in inhalant use, this booklet first recommends that parents educate themselves about the dangers of inhalants and other drugs. This includes knowledge of the types of products that children can misuse and the signs and effects of misuse (this information is provided in this booklet). The booklet also recommends that parents communicate with their children about the dangers and consequences of inhalant use. This should include explaining why the sniffing of inhalants is dangerous and that any inhalant present in the home is there only for the purpose of assisting with household chores. Further, the booklet advises that parents should recognize the influence they have in their children's lives and not rely upon other institutions and adults to provide essential information to their children. In addition, parents must monitor the activities of their children, including knowing where their children are at all times, knowing their children's friends and their families, and keeping their children involved in adult-supervised activities after school. Regional and national assistance resources are listed.