INHALANTS www.TheCitizensWhoCare.org Most teens could probably tell you what the top three abused substances are among teenagers. Alcohol, tobacco and marijuana. However, one that is considered equally, if not more addictive and deadly, would not be considered dangerous by most teenagers, unless they lost a friend to it. Inhaling dangerous products is becoming one of the most widespread problems in the country. It is as popular as marijuana with young people. Every month almost 500,000 kids 12 to 17 use inhalants to get killer highs. Among Oregon 8th graders reported in the 2007 Healthy Teen Survey, over 6 percent used an inhalant in the last 30 days, 7.3 percent of the girls. In another survey, 9 percent had used these poisons versus only 4 percent having used alcohol. It's the silent epidemic. When chemical vapors or fumes are "sniffed", "huffed", "bagged" or "ballooned," inhalant users take a chance on some serious side effects that can land them in the emergency room...or the morgue. The inhaled poison slows the blood flow to the brain, making the central nervous system shut down. The vapors actually dissolve brain tissue and users can permanently lose the ability to walk, talk, see or hear. Other long-term side effects can include problems with your reproductive system; gases replacing vital oxygen in the blood and weakening bones; and serious lung, liver and kidney damage. Younger users are especially vulnerable because they can permanently inhibit mental and physical developments. Unlike alcohol, tobacco and marijuana, one huff can hurt.  The fact is, one out of three inhalant deaths were first-time users. There are over 1000 products, including household clears, air fresheners and paints. They're all over your house. And, since parents aren't educated about the dangers of inhalants, they don't notice when products are missing from kitchen cupboards or garage shelves. Educate yourself. Find out about inhalants before your children do. If you would never consider playing Russian roulette with a bullet in every chamber, don't play it with inhalants. And, if you're a parent, wake-up!  It is never too early to teach your children about the dangers of inhalants. Don't just say "not my kid." Inhalant use starts as early as elementary school and is considered a gateway to further substance abuse. Parents often remain ignorant of inhalant use or do not educate their children until it is too late. Inhalants are not drugs. They are poisons and toxins and should be discussed as such. Don't put it off. This is one talk you don't want to wait on. You might be a day too late. Just do it! Inhalant Awareness Week is March 16-23. For information, intervention, call the National Inhalant Prevention Coalition at 800-269-4237  That's 800-269-4237. And don't forward to move your clocks ahead an hour this Sunday morning. Spring is on its way. ©2007-2023, www.TheCitizensWhoCare.org/brookings/inhalants.html