INHALANTS

Dangerous Substance Abuse Right Under Our Noses

Images of young people abusing drugs, more specifically substances like
alcohol, marijuana etc., are all-too-common these days.

But another equally serious, and potentially deadly, substance abuse problem
lies right under our noses, and the American Academy of Pediatrics and
others are seeking to call attention to it.

Children are increasingly turning to inhaling the fumes of common household
products such as glue, paint and cleaners.

A new survey by the group, conducted in conjunction with the October
observance of national Child Health Month, is alarming (October is also Drug
Awareness Month). Among the survey's findings are:

* Sixty-two percent of the 10- to 17-year-olds surveyed said they know what
"huffing" is, and 26 percent have seen or heard about peers doing this
inhaling. In addition, children are an average of 12 years old when they
first see or hear about their classmates using inhalants.

* Younger children (10 and 11) are the least likely to learn about the
dangers of inhalants in school, as well as the least likely to talk with
their parents about them, but they are the most likely to have been exposed
to inhalants.

* While inhalant abuse is covered in the classroom for almost three-fourths
of the students surveyed, parents are not discussing the issue enough at
home. Only slightly more than half of the 10- to 17-year-olds said they had
discussed "huffing" with their families.

The implications are enormous and obvious, and parents have a much larger
role to play.

Also, the survey shows that most "huffing" occurs after school and is
another consideration in policy decisions that might include after-school
programs for children.

The study is correct in its conclusion that education is the most effective
way to combat inhalant abuse. It's also correct in its snapshot of how
serious the problem is and how much more education must take place.