Inhalant Abuse
By: Kelli Carlisle
Updated: May 3, 2007
More and more kids are using inhalants to get high. From 2002 to 2004, more than 500,000 12 to 17 year olds in the US reported that they had abused inhalants at least once. The number of deaths caused by inhalants is currently unknown, partly because these types of deaths are listed as accidental on death certificates, but weve all seen the tragic stories. One thing you should know about inhalants is that it can kill you the first time you try it.
Most of the products in stores have a warning label, however most of us just dont take the time to read the fine print. There are roughly 1400 potentially abusable products on the market today.
Symptoms of inhalant abuse include paint or stains on clothing, hands and face, presence of chemical soaked rags, a dazed or dizzy appearance, red or runny nose and eyes, also a chemical odor on the breath.
You cant keep your kids away from items like hairspray, markers, and nail polish remover, but you can educate them on the dangers of abusing these products.
For additional tips, visit www.ccadwm.com
