The Dangers of Inhalants

 

Lately, there has been a lot of attention paid to illegal drugs in the hands of minors. But the real danger may not come from plants or chemicals that are only intended as drugs. Many common household items can get abused by "sniffing" them, and these are called inhalants. They often get into the hands of kids who want to be cool or experience a high. These kids do not understand the danger of these substances, and they often are as easy to find as opening up a kitchen cupboard.

Some common inhalants include:

• Glue

• Paint

• Gasoline

In the case of nitrous oxide, it could be used safely for medical purposes. For example, you may get "laughing gas" at the dentist to help you feel relaxed before a procedure. But it is also used as a propellant for some sprays and canisters. In this case, the quality of this gas is not always good, and it might not be pure. Also, it is not taken under the supervision of trained medical professionals like dentists, and it can be very dangerous.

Treatment of Inhalants

If you find out that your teen has been abusing inhalants, you may need to seek treatment of him as with any other type of drug abuse. You should find a center that specializes in treating teens. He may just need out-patient therapy. But if the problem is severe and persistent, you may need to find an in-patient therapy center.

Typical therapy consists of counseling, and it could also include medication to try to alleviate that led your son or daughter to abuse inhalants in the first place. Some kids may just do it to experiment, but it could also be a sign of deeper problems. A trained counselor should have the resources to suggest the right course of action.