Parents often have a hard time even imagining their child using household products for a quick high. But while most drug abuse among children is on a steady decline, inhalant abuse is actually on the rise. Over the last 20 years inhalant abuse has nearly doubled. And studies show that nearly 20 percent of 8th graders in Louisiana have used some form of inhalants. A single inhalation or huffing experience can result in death.
Inhalant abuse can also cause muscle spasms, short-term memory loss and hearing problems.
We're told kids use inhalants because they are inexpensive, easy to get and hide, legal to possess, and most parents are not aware of the dangers. Dangerous household products that can be inhaled include items such as cooking spray, felt-tip markers, furniture polish, oven cleaner, air freshener, hair sprays, nail polish removers, butane, glues and adhesives and spray paints. Because of the easy access of inhalants and their long-term effects, spotting abuse in your child is critical. I hope this information helps parents recognize the signs of inhalant abuse in our children. And I salute the Academy of Pediatrics in its efforts to keep kids and parents informed about the dangers of inhalants.