Recent news by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration SAMHA raises awareness about the dangers of kids and inhalant use. No one likes to hear about drug use amongst 12-year-olds, as it is a frightening thought for all parents. Even so, the fact remains that 1.4% of this age group have used marijuana, 0.7% hallucinogens, and .01% cocaine. Although these statistics are alarming, they pale in comparison to the number of 12-year-olds who are huffing, or inhaling common household substances to get high. Many young kids do not realize that huffing can lead to brain damage or death.
Nearly 7% of all 12-year-olds have used an inhalant to get high. This is even more than the 5.2% who have smoked cigarettes. The trend appears to be growing popularity in these kids, as toxic chemicals are accessible and legal. Paint thinner, nail polish, cleaning supplies, glue, and gasoline are all commonly abused inhalants that are located in almost every home and garage across America. An awareness has been made for the need to prevent such a young age group from getting seriously injured or dying as a result of huffing.
Many parents don't realize that 12 is considered the gate-way age for inhalant use. As a result, young kids are not always taught the dangers of huffing. The truth of the matter is that sudden death can occur from even a single time of using an inhalant. It can cause cardiac arrest or asphyxiation. Plus, huffing is addictive and often results in damage to brain tissue. Surveys show that young people do not perceive these risks accurately. Therefore, they may be likely to say no to illegal drugs, while assuming that huffing isn't so bad.
Middle school is a trying time in a kids life. Most kids are concerned about fitting in and growing into adolescence. Many of them will succumb to peer pressure, as they have not developed the maturity for good decision making. This is one of the reasons why drug use at such a young age is a major concern. As a result of the SAMHA's new study, efforts are being made by several organizations to focus on prevention of inhalant abuse in the 12-year-old age group. Hopefully, by raising awareness about huffing, the alarming statistics will drop and these young kids will be safer.
