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Warn Your Grandchild about the Dangers of Inhalants
When your young grandkids come to visit, you keep household products out of reach so they won't accidentally consume them. But did you know that some kids deliberately use household products as "drugs," to get "high?" In fact, twenty-one percent of youth have done just that at least once in their lives. (Partnership for a Drug-Free America, Partnership Attitude Tracking Study, 2000.)
Kids inhale or breathe in bleach, cooking spray, shaving cream, propane, kerosene, household cleaners, spray paint, felt-tip markers, nail polish remover, glue, shoe polish, and aerosols fumes. Using inhalants can cause sudden death, suffocation, or numbness and tingling of the hands and feet. Longer-term use can result in violent behavior, brain damage, and chemical imbalances.
As a grandparent, it is important for you to make your kids aware of the dangers of inhalant use. Telling your grandchildren to never use inhalants to feel "high" may save their lives. They could die the first or the fiftieth time they try them.
What are the signs of inhalant abuse?
- Chemical odors on breath or clothing
- Paint or other stains on face, hands, or clothes
- Hidden empty spray paint or solvent containers and chemical-soaked rags or clothing
- Drunk or disoriented appearance
- Slurred speech
- Nausea or loss of appetite
- Inattentiveness, lack of coordination, irritability, and depression
(National Institute on Drug Abuse Research Report Series Inhalant Abuse)
In addition, the Office of National Drug Control Policy suggests that you be aware of missing household items or soaked rags.
So plan now on warning your grandchildren to stay away from inhalants at your house, their house, anywhere, any time.
If you would like more suggestions on communicating with your grandchild, visit www.theantidrug.com, the National Youth Anti-Drug Media Campaign's online parenting resource. The site offers a brochure titled "Keeping Your Kids Drug-Free: A How-To Guide for Parents and Caregivers."
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