Great Advice on Helium.com

Helium.com has eight different articles written about inhalants, all containing important information about inhalant abuse.

Eric Buckingham describes the telltale warning signs and the damage that inhaling chemicals can do to your body. He asks parents to,

"Look around the house and trash for lots of empty cans or containers that should not be there. Huffing will also leave its mark on the face and hands of the addict. Depending on their pattern of abuse they can huff the chemical directly from the can, put it in a brown paper bag, and even soak a towel or cloth in it and inhale it that way. So watch for these items as well."

Effie Moore Salem referenced ACE and explains that kids may abuse inhalants,

"because they mistakenly believe that since these chemicals are so regularly used and common they are safe. The initial reaction is a high' or a funny feeling that they like. Their friends do it and they are urged to try it. Like other stimulants, it is addicting and once a habit is formed it is hard to break."

Valli Sarvani advises parents to:

"Teach early: Educate kids between ages 7 and 12 to think of toxic household products as poisons. Explain them how, many items produces gases that can make sick. If your children help with cleaning involving dangerous products, guide them to read the label warnings and directions.

Discuss only the dangers: Teach your kids how people abuse household products before they enter middle school. Explain them these products are as dangerous as alcohol and drugs. Discuss only the risks, and avoid mentioning specific items.

Be a friend: Parents are the most powerful influence on their teens. Be proactive and use that influence early and often. Talk to them as a friend in a positive tone. Give them assurance that you won't punish them.

Talk more frequently: Studies revealed that kids who learn a lot about the risks of inhalants or drugs from their parents are up to 50% less likely to use them. So discuss with them as many times as you can.

Monitor your child: Monitor your child's activities. If you suspect your child huffing, ask about it directly. At that time avoid using accusatory language. If your child dislikes discussing with you, seek counseling immediately."

Rachel Mcclain offers great advice throughout her article, beginning by saying,

"if someone offered my young son a bopper, a popper, a snapper or even something as potential innocuous sounding as a glading, I would probably let him extend his hand and make him say please and thank you. The trouble is, they aren't going to offer him these things while I'm around.

That's because these are street names for huffing. When you use the other names, like head cleaner, poor man's pot, hippie crack, bullet, bolt and rush among a few, it doesn't sound so innocent. If you didn't recognize a single one of those names, you probably aren't alone.

One of the best ways to protect your children against something like huffing is to learn what it is, and learn what the warning signs are so you can recognize it in your own child or in one of his or her friends."

Callista Meyer warns that,

"being a risky yet cheap, legal alternative to getting high, the ages most commonly associated with inhalant abuse are 12 to 15 years old. More often than not these early teens are trying inhalants before they even attempt smoking. There for it is important to discuss the risks with your child before they enter junior high as this is when peer pressure reaches a peak."

All of the articles provide great information and statistics about inhalant abuse. Found another great source of information? Email us at info@consumered.org.