Most parents know that marijuana is the most commonly abused illegal drug among teenagers, But these same parents may be unaware that the second most popular category of abused drugs -- inhalants -- contains substances that are commonly found in many households:

• Common inhalants are rubber cement, paint thinner, nail polish remover, gasoline, correction fluid, and bleach.
• Teenagers use these substances to get a quick high by sniffing them from open containers or "huffing" from a rag held to the face after soaking it in the substance.
• Many people believe that inhalants are not harmful, but the truth is they can cause health problems and even death.
• Long-term health problems are damage to the heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, and brain.

Signs of inhalant abuse are a chemical smell on clothing, mouth sores, runny eyes and nose, and appearing drunk or dazed.

Labels: marijuana, inhalants

Posted By: Aspen/CRC