Some of the most dangerous drugs are not on the street. They are right under your sink.
Ordinary household products, like cleansers, glue and harispray, which can be safely
used for legitimate purposes, can be lethal in the hands of kids curious to find out
how it feels to be intoxicated or "high." The 2000 National Household Survey on Drug
Abuse (NHSDA) estimated that nearly one out of ten youth has, in their lifetime,
purposely sniffed (breathed in through the nose) or huffed the vapors of household
products like glue, shoe polish and cleaning fluids to "get high." When children sniff
inhalants they can die - even if it is their first time.
Inhalant use is considered America's "hidden" drug problem. It is hidden because it
is not viewed in the same high-risk category as alcohol, cocaine and heroin.
It's also hidden because most parents don't even know that it is a threat to
their children. Nor do they think about household products as the first
drug their child might use. The more you know about inhalants, the better
you will be able to recognize the signs and symptoms of use.
It is natural to be concerned that talking to your children about anything
you do not want them to do may make them curious. But remember, your children
listen to you and you are a major influence in their lives. Give them
the information to be able make informed decisions. You've taught your
children right from wrong. You've stressed the importance of family values
and academic success. Now it is time to talk with them about the harmful
effects of inhalants. Tell your children you do not want them to experiment
with inhalants and tell them why. Make your children aware of the ultimate
dangers so that their curiosity will not lead to death.
Filipino American Youth Are At Risk!
Each year young people in the United States die from using inhalants. Hundreds of others
suffer severe health consequences such as brain, heart, kidney and lung damage. Children
who sniff when they're in grade school are more likely to later experiment with illicit
drugs and alcohol.
When it comes to inhalants and drugs, there is a misconception among many
Asian parents that outstanding grades and a good family upbringing will
protect their child from drugs. According to the NHSDA, experimentation
with inhalants among Asian American and Pacific Islander youth is similar
to the general population. Specifically, 2.8 percent of Asian American
and Pacific Islander youth reported past year use of inhalants compared
to 4 percent of White youth.
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