From the Herald-Tribune in Sarasota, Florida
News reports out of Manatee County, Florida detail the arrest of a 37 year-old woman who is being charged with ‘inhalation of harmful chemicals’ after being discovered passed out in a parking lot earlier this week. Police were called to the scene after receiving eye witness reports of a woman ‘huffing’ aerosol outside of a nearby community pharmacy; and arrived to find the suspect lying unconscious on the pavement.
Blog Report
Friday, July 31, 2009
Whipped Cream Stolen From Shelves
From the Lancaster New Era in Lancaster, Pennsylvania
A 23 year-old Pennsylvania man is being charged with 'summary retail theft and huffing' after allegedly entering a local grocery store and huffing nitrous oxide gas from over 20 cans of whipped cream. The suspect stole several cans of whipped cream from store shelves and proceeded to a deserted aisle where he was able to “squat down and inhale the gas out of the top of the can" without allowing any of the whipped cream to come out. Also referred to as ‘whippets’ – whipped cream is a commonly abused substance that can elicit a short lived ‘high’ for users, often lasting for ten seconds or less. Store surveillance tapes led police to the young suspect, who is facing additional charges pending an investigation into another recent incident that left 25 cans of whipped cream ‘huffed.’
A 23 year-old Pennsylvania man is being charged with 'summary retail theft and huffing' after allegedly entering a local grocery store and huffing nitrous oxide gas from over 20 cans of whipped cream. The suspect stole several cans of whipped cream from store shelves and proceeded to a deserted aisle where he was able to “squat down and inhale the gas out of the top of the can" without allowing any of the whipped cream to come out. Also referred to as ‘whippets’ – whipped cream is a commonly abused substance that can elicit a short lived ‘high’ for users, often lasting for ten seconds or less. Store surveillance tapes led police to the young suspect, who is facing additional charges pending an investigation into another recent incident that left 25 cans of whipped cream ‘huffed.’
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Fire 'Down Under'
From BBC World News
An Australian man found himself engulfed in flames earlier this month after aggressively storming police officers “with a container of petrol fuel and a cigarette lighter.” Aiming to prevent any sort of arson related attack; officers fired Taser stun guns in defense “penetrating the suspect's skin with over 50,000 volts of electricity from two copper wires attached to the gun.”
Witnesses divulged to police that the suspect was indeed sniffing petroleum at the time of the incident, allowing investigators to determine that remaining deposits of fuel located on the suspect’s face triggered the fire that left him with 3rd degree burns to over ten percent of his body.
The suspect is currently being hospitalized in Western Australia and remains in critical condition despite his close encounter with death. He is being charged with “assault to prevent arrest and possession of [an intoxicating] sniffing substance.”
An Australian man found himself engulfed in flames earlier this month after aggressively storming police officers “with a container of petrol fuel and a cigarette lighter.” Aiming to prevent any sort of arson related attack; officers fired Taser stun guns in defense “penetrating the suspect's skin with over 50,000 volts of electricity from two copper wires attached to the gun.”
Witnesses divulged to police that the suspect was indeed sniffing petroleum at the time of the incident, allowing investigators to determine that remaining deposits of fuel located on the suspect’s face triggered the fire that left him with 3rd degree burns to over ten percent of his body.
The suspect is currently being hospitalized in Western Australia and remains in critical condition despite his close encounter with death. He is being charged with “assault to prevent arrest and possession of [an intoxicating] sniffing substance.”
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Did Brian Have to Die?
On May 28, 2009 at 8:45 in the morning, I found my partner of 15 years dead. He was in the bed face down still holding a can of computer duster in his hand. He had been dead several hours and there was nothing anyone could do. Cause of death: Difluoroethane-Toxicity.Brain had battled depression and alcohol addiction all through our relationship. He always had therapy, medication and completed an inpatient program in Atlanta where I thought he was on the path to sobriety. He stopped going back to AA and within six months he started beer, then whiskey and finally to ordering medications on-line [Tramodol]. Brian’s life came crashing down on January 13, 2009, when he arrived to work after drinking and overmedicating. He was sent home and received a DUI on his way back to our residence. After seeing the police video, I saw a change in Brian’s attitude about his addictions. I noticed he rapidly slowed on his drinking and stopped ordering medications on-line. A glimmer of hope filled my heart, but that was shattered when I found out he had started huffing computer duster. He had not stopped self medicating, only swapped the method. Utilizing the internet, I printed everything I could for Brian to read about the dangers of huffing. I showed him videos on YouTube of how people acted when huffing. I even used my digital camera to capture a horrific episode where he was hallucinating. Nothing could stop his craving for more computer duster and the high he was getting. We talked, I begged, but the Brian I knew was no longer in control.
I am fully aware that Brain owned his addictions and is responsible for his actions and ultimate death, but did he really have to die? I ask this question because of what I write in the next few sentences. Every effort has been made to set aside my anger and feeling of helplessness, but these next few words are for the Medical Community: EMT’s, Doctors, Emergency Rooms, Psychiatrists, and Outpatient Behavioral Staff. Please become more educated on Huffing Addiction – especially the chemical contents, the proper medical assessment, psychological assessment and treatment of both. You see, I took Brian to the Emergency Room in Atlanta – He wanted help. Brian had developed a rash all over his extremities and was itching; he said his bones hurt and his muscles were aching. At the emergency room everything was explained on what Brian was doing – huffing compressed gas [computer duster]. The treatment given was Benadryl for the itching, Atavan for the anxiety and prednisone for the swelling of the rash. He also was given a psychological assessment and set up for Outpatient Treatment.
Brian followed up with his primary care physician concerning his symptoms and she was also told about the huffing computer duster. The primary care physician consulted with Brian’s psychiatrist [who already knew about the huffing] and together they thought he might be having reaction to his prescribed medications. They stopped his anti-depressants and mood stabilizers to see if the rash would go away. They actually did not believe the huffing was the cause of his rash. Four days before Brian died; he called an ambulance because his heart was racing out of control. He was transported to the same Atlanta hospital, medically assessed and told to wait in the waiting room. When I arrived Brian told me one of the EMT’s told him the computer duster was just compress air. Brian chuckled at what was the apparent ignorance of the EMT. We both knew it was refrigerant. This second visit to the emergency room Brian was only treated with Atavan. While waiting for the test results I called the Behavioral Health Unit [during normal office hours] and begged for someone to come and intervene. The nurse remarked while I was in the room that he would have another psychological assessment. It did not happen. The doctor came in the room and told Brian that what he was huffing was refrigerant and that the hospital could not even test for chemical. She told him if he continued huffing it would kill him. It did.
So I ask again, did Brian have to die? He was under the care of a primary care physician, psychiatrist, two emergency room visits, one psychological assessment and been assigned to outpatient therapy. Each and every medical professional knew Brian was huffing computer duster and the most they could, or would, do was say stop or it will kill you. The EMT did not know the computer duster was more than just compressed air. Brian’s primary care physician actually called to offer her condolences and admitted she was not aware the chemical that Brian was huffing was refrigerant. His psychiatrist sent me a sympathy card. The Behavioral Health Unit will not talk to me on the advice of their attorney’s. I feel the medical profession requires more education and knowledge of the addiction to computer duster. Only after there is knowledge can effective treatments be offered to patients like Brian; who in a final act of desperation, show up at the hospital wanting help.
Larry T.
Atlanta, GA
LA Times Editorial: Combating A Deadly Pastime For Teens
California lawmakers continue to combat inhalants- battling to secure tougher legal sanctions associated with the distribution, sale, and purchase of chemical substances. Despite one's disinterest in political affairs or lack of Californian residency, the efforts being extended in California are undeniably groundbreaking; as media outlets across the nation continue to expose the stifling reality that is- inhalant abuse. On Monday July 27, 2009 an editorial submission from active ACE advocate Janna Zuber recieved publication in California's Los Angeles Times, enlightening readers as to the pertinent issues encompassing inhalant addiction.
Combating A Deadly Pastime For Teens
By Janna D. Zuber
Three cheers to The Times for its July 19 article, "Los Angeles youths' nitrous oxide use has adults taking action." Inhalant abuse can and does kill. Too often, abusers underestimate the toxicity of inhalants; they think that computer duster is just "canned air," or that airfreshener, spray paint, and the myriad other household items in our homes and offices are safe to inhale because we (the parents) do not know to warn our children. Consequently, as The Times' article makes clear, inhaling nitrous oxide now outpaces marijuana use as the drug of choice for Los Angeles middle-school students.
The complete article can be viewed at: http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/opinionla/la-oew-zuber27-2009jul27,0,1717897.story.
Combating A Deadly Pastime For Teens
By Janna D. Zuber
Three cheers to The Times for its July 19 article, "Los Angeles youths' nitrous oxide use has adults taking action." Inhalant abuse can and does kill. Too often, abusers underestimate the toxicity of inhalants; they think that computer duster is just "canned air," or that airfreshener, spray paint, and the myriad other household items in our homes and offices are safe to inhale because we (the parents) do not know to warn our children. Consequently, as The Times' article makes clear, inhaling nitrous oxide now outpaces marijuana use as the drug of choice for Los Angeles middle-school students.
The complete article can be viewed at: http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/opinionla/la-oew-zuber27-2009jul27,0,1717897.story.
Cell Phone Camera Nabs 'Huffer'
From The Conronicle-Telegram in Elyria, Ohio
A 51 year old woman was charged with 'abusing harmful intoxicants' last week in Ohio after local teens discovered the woman 'huffing' in her van outside a drug store. In addition to reporting the incident to police, the young informants also managed to fully record the woman 'huffing' inhalants with cell phone cameras. When police arrived on the scene the suspect was found "passed out and twitching in the front seat." Officers reportedly confiscated three canisters of an undisclosed substance from the woman's van; two full and one empty.
A 51 year old woman was charged with 'abusing harmful intoxicants' last week in Ohio after local teens discovered the woman 'huffing' in her van outside a drug store. In addition to reporting the incident to police, the young informants also managed to fully record the woman 'huffing' inhalants with cell phone cameras. When police arrived on the scene the suspect was found "passed out and twitching in the front seat." Officers reportedly confiscated three canisters of an undisclosed substance from the woman's van; two full and one empty.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Wisconsin Tightens DUI Law
From WEAU News in Wisconsin
Police in Wisconsin have arrested and charged a 42 year old woman with her fifth consecutive DUI (driving under the influence of an illegal substance) after she rolled her truck on a busy interstate highway. Accident reports cite the woman as being heavily intoxicated at the time of the crash and ‘huffing’ computer duster. A passerby who witnessed the accident and stopped to help told police they found the driver still 'huffing' after the crash. She was issued a non-alcohol related DUI as a result of driving while high off computer duster. The woman escaped without injury and was arrested on the scene.
Wisconsin is just one of the many states implementing more aggressive and tighter driver safety laws regarding driving while ‘under the influence.’ DUI charges are now being issued to individuals who operate a motor vehicle while impaired from ANY substance or product.
Police in Wisconsin have arrested and charged a 42 year old woman with her fifth consecutive DUI (driving under the influence of an illegal substance) after she rolled her truck on a busy interstate highway. Accident reports cite the woman as being heavily intoxicated at the time of the crash and ‘huffing’ computer duster. A passerby who witnessed the accident and stopped to help told police they found the driver still 'huffing' after the crash. She was issued a non-alcohol related DUI as a result of driving while high off computer duster. The woman escaped without injury and was arrested on the scene.
Wisconsin is just one of the many states implementing more aggressive and tighter driver safety laws regarding driving while ‘under the influence.’ DUI charges are now being issued to individuals who operate a motor vehicle while impaired from ANY substance or product.
A Mother's Story: Darrell my baby, my son, my friend
The loss of my son is not my first loss. In seven years I have lost my brother, father, uncle, mother, both in-laws, and went through a divorce. These losses, though tragic do not compare with this, my worst loss, my oldest son; this son who has been the one constant in my life since I was 18 years and is now suddenly gone.
How do people find ways to “get high” and why did my son have to try something that of course didn’t seem “quite right.” Don’t all parents teach their children “not to play with matches, look both ways before crossing the street, don’t eat anything that smells bad, don’t take anything that isn’t yours, don’t breathe in chemicals?” Just the act of putting a product in the mouth has to feel “wrong” to anyone doing so. Did we not teach our lessons well enough? Where did our children learn the practice of using inhalants, specifically computer duster? Who did they do this abnormal practice with?? Where did we go wrong? Why didn’t I look for signs of problems?? Why isn’t the practice of inhalant abuse known? Why didn’t I die instead of my child? These are questions that every parent asks themselves, as I have, after the loss of a child caused by inhalant abuse.
How do people find ways to “get high” and why did my son have to try something that of course didn’t seem “quite right.” Don’t all parents teach their children “not to play with matches, look both ways before crossing the street, don’t eat anything that smells bad, don’t take anything that isn’t yours, don’t breathe in chemicals?” Just the act of putting a product in the mouth has to feel “wrong” to anyone doing so. Did we not teach our lessons well enough? Where did our children learn the practice of using inhalants, specifically computer duster? Who did they do this abnormal practice with?? Where did we go wrong? Why didn’t I look for signs of problems?? Why isn’t the practice of inhalant abuse known? Why didn’t I die instead of my child? These are questions that every parent asks themselves, as I have, after the loss of a child caused by inhalant abuse.
My son Darrell was 37 years old. He had a good job, family and friends that loved him dearly and a future that was bright. He had used various drugs and alcohol in his lifetime. He had done away with them, except the occasional beer. It was such a shock that after 37 years, he would die of inhalant abuse….something that is often connected to adolescent abuse. After his death we found evidence that he had been abusing duster more than just the “last time”. In fact just a couple days before his death he had called me telling me he had gotten burned by a light while working under a car. Living three hours away, I instructed him to go to the emergency room, thinking they would treat the burn and send him home. He was reaching out to me, and I told him to go to strangers. The next day his aunt took him to the emergency room and later told me “Darrell’s color just didn’t look right. He was expressing fear of going to the emergency room, which he wouldn’t explain. His blood pressure was really high and he just said he would deal with it later that week, as he had a doctor’s appointment.” My sister to this day regrets not pushing Darrell to stay, the emergency crew to perform further testing and possibly discover the cause of his abnormal vital signs and possibly ask about inhalant abuse. As a nurse, I regret not seeing all of this myself. Inhalant abuse is not often “noticeable” by one symptom. Looking back, maybe the burn was caused by the propellant in computer duster. We will never know.
After speaking with the head of the ambulance company who performed resuscitation on Darrell, come to find out there is not a special protocol for diagnosing and treating inhalant abuse in the field, so it is really up to us parents to WAKE UP and prevent the need for emergency care. In California it is not illegal to use inhalants, and in this case was not reported to the emergency crew. There may be signs, though they may be confused with other diagnoses’, we as parents need to be alert, no matter what the child’s age or history. Some of the signs of inhalant abuse are:
• drowsiness,
• lightheadedness
• loss of inhibition
• unexplained burns
• sores around mouth and nose
Further use can lead to the following:
• dizziness,
• hallucinations or delusions,
• belligerence,
• apathy
• impaired judgment
Long-term inhalant abusers can suffer damaging health consequences including:
• depression and mood changes,
• weight loss,
• inattentiveness,
• lack of coordination
• irritability
• weakness
There are many firsts in a parents life- first tooth, first step, first bicycle ride, first merit badge, first prom…We all await their graduation, wedding, their first child, their first big job… With a child’s death we have some most grievous firsts – the first relative we must hear from, the first conversation with the emergency room crew and coroner and our first glimpse of our child lying dead on a gurney. The first time we go through belongings to choose their clothing for the memorial; first time we go through pictures and preparing our first words for the memorial service. The first time we have to comfort family and friends when you yourself are falling to pieces….Your first true realization that they were not coming back and a first memory of anything you ever said or did that might have hurt feelings or not been supportive. Then the first time you realize you can’t pick up the phone to talk to them. Their first birthday after their death, first one week, one month, one year anniversary of their death, first Mother’s Day without their phone call, first Christmas without their presence, their siblings’ first born child who would not have their fun-loving Uncle Darrell present .
Our family has now lived through the first year without our beloved Darrell, son, brother, nephew, cousin, friend, boyfriend, co-worker. Time marches on, moving ever forward. It is now time to take action against inhalant abuse, knowing that Darrell would want us to do as much as possible to prevent others from dying and to support those who have lost a loved one to inhalant abuse. We all must help encourage legislation and promote education of community and healthcare providers to prevent further deaths.
We, the parents who have lost children to inhalant abuse, are available to provide support, with an open ear, mind and heart. We are not experts in counseling, intervention or diagnosis but experts in empathy, having been through the worst loss. Following is advice that helped me make it one year, when I really thought I might die of a broken heart and sometimes wishing I would.
1. Accept help when it is offered as it may come from places you least expect.
2. Lean on friends and family, talk to doctors, counselors (thanatologists, death specialists, if available) and others who have been through similar circumstances (ie support group participants)
3. Some friends do not know what to do or say, don’t hold it against them, move on.
4. Don’t be ashamed to cry when you need to.
5. Talk about your loss and keep their memory alive.
6. If you find solace in certain activities, do them often. ie. Exercise, church, movies, work, family visits, but do not bury yourself in them, they won’t make you forget.
7. Avoid alcohol intake, it often makes you feel worse.
8. Find out information about the death if there are questions, it may hurt immediately but will make you stronger and ease your mind.
9. If you have dogs and/or cats, pet and talk to them often, they are good listeners. Allow them to comfort you in their unique way.
Books to read that helped me through my grief:
• The Worst Loss, Barbara D. Rosof
• Healing After Loss, Daily Meditations for Working Through Grief, Martha Whitmore Hickman
• Your Child, Your Friend, When an Adult Child Dies, National Kidney Foundation
• The Fall of Freddie the Leaf, A Story of Life for All Ages, Leo Buscaglia – Written for children to understand death and dying
• The Next Place, Warren Hanson – Written for children regarding where the soul/person goes after death
• Safe Passage, Molly Fumia
Special thanks to the Alliance for Consumer Education and the Musculoskeletal Transplant Foundation for all of their wonderful support throughout my first year of grief.
- Margie P., RRT, RN
After speaking with the head of the ambulance company who performed resuscitation on Darrell, come to find out there is not a special protocol for diagnosing and treating inhalant abuse in the field, so it is really up to us parents to WAKE UP and prevent the need for emergency care. In California it is not illegal to use inhalants, and in this case was not reported to the emergency crew. There may be signs, though they may be confused with other diagnoses’, we as parents need to be alert, no matter what the child’s age or history. Some of the signs of inhalant abuse are:
• drowsiness,
• lightheadedness
• loss of inhibition
• unexplained burns
• sores around mouth and nose
Further use can lead to the following:
• dizziness,
• hallucinations or delusions,
• belligerence,
• apathy
• impaired judgment
Long-term inhalant abusers can suffer damaging health consequences including:
• depression and mood changes,
• weight loss,
• inattentiveness,
• lack of coordination
• irritability
• weakness
There are many firsts in a parents life- first tooth, first step, first bicycle ride, first merit badge, first prom…We all await their graduation, wedding, their first child, their first big job… With a child’s death we have some most grievous firsts – the first relative we must hear from, the first conversation with the emergency room crew and coroner and our first glimpse of our child lying dead on a gurney. The first time we go through belongings to choose their clothing for the memorial; first time we go through pictures and preparing our first words for the memorial service. The first time we have to comfort family and friends when you yourself are falling to pieces….Your first true realization that they were not coming back and a first memory of anything you ever said or did that might have hurt feelings or not been supportive. Then the first time you realize you can’t pick up the phone to talk to them. Their first birthday after their death, first one week, one month, one year anniversary of their death, first Mother’s Day without their phone call, first Christmas without their presence, their siblings’ first born child who would not have their fun-loving Uncle Darrell present .
Our family has now lived through the first year without our beloved Darrell, son, brother, nephew, cousin, friend, boyfriend, co-worker. Time marches on, moving ever forward. It is now time to take action against inhalant abuse, knowing that Darrell would want us to do as much as possible to prevent others from dying and to support those who have lost a loved one to inhalant abuse. We all must help encourage legislation and promote education of community and healthcare providers to prevent further deaths.
We, the parents who have lost children to inhalant abuse, are available to provide support, with an open ear, mind and heart. We are not experts in counseling, intervention or diagnosis but experts in empathy, having been through the worst loss. Following is advice that helped me make it one year, when I really thought I might die of a broken heart and sometimes wishing I would.
1. Accept help when it is offered as it may come from places you least expect.
2. Lean on friends and family, talk to doctors, counselors (thanatologists, death specialists, if available) and others who have been through similar circumstances (ie support group participants)
3. Some friends do not know what to do or say, don’t hold it against them, move on.
4. Don’t be ashamed to cry when you need to.
5. Talk about your loss and keep their memory alive.
6. If you find solace in certain activities, do them often. ie. Exercise, church, movies, work, family visits, but do not bury yourself in them, they won’t make you forget.
7. Avoid alcohol intake, it often makes you feel worse.
8. Find out information about the death if there are questions, it may hurt immediately but will make you stronger and ease your mind.
9. If you have dogs and/or cats, pet and talk to them often, they are good listeners. Allow them to comfort you in their unique way.
Books to read that helped me through my grief:
• The Worst Loss, Barbara D. Rosof
• Healing After Loss, Daily Meditations for Working Through Grief, Martha Whitmore Hickman
• Your Child, Your Friend, When an Adult Child Dies, National Kidney Foundation
• The Fall of Freddie the Leaf, A Story of Life for All Ages, Leo Buscaglia – Written for children to understand death and dying
• The Next Place, Warren Hanson – Written for children regarding where the soul/person goes after death
• Safe Passage, Molly Fumia
Special thanks to the Alliance for Consumer Education and the Musculoskeletal Transplant Foundation for all of their wonderful support throughout my first year of grief.
- Margie P., RRT, RN
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Texas Man Arrested for Huffing Spray Paint
From Mineral Wells Index in Texas:
The police report notes that a 29 year-old man was arrested for huffing a can of spray paint. The man was found staggering down a local path at 6 am holding both a 32 ounce can of beer and a can of gold spray paint. He was arrested and charged with unlawful possession or use of an inhalant.
The police report notes that a 29 year-old man was arrested for huffing a can of spray paint. The man was found staggering down a local path at 6 am holding both a 32 ounce can of beer and a can of gold spray paint. He was arrested and charged with unlawful possession or use of an inhalant.
Car Crashes Into Pond in Virginia
From NBC 29 News in Charlottesville, Virgina:
A 23 year-old driver crashed his car into a pond. The car “struck a mailbox on the right shoulder. It crossed the eastbound lane, into a field, and down into the pond.”
Rescue crews noted that the driver had “huffed” from an aerosol can after the crash so state police are including the possibility of inhalant abuse into their investigation.
A 23 year-old driver crashed his car into a pond. The car “struck a mailbox on the right shoulder. It crossed the eastbound lane, into a field, and down into the pond.”
Rescue crews noted that the driver had “huffed” from an aerosol can after the crash so state police are including the possibility of inhalant abuse into their investigation.
Driver Passes Out, Passenger Steers Car
From Fox 21 Online in Duluth, Minnesota:
A 29 year-old driver was taken into custody after allegedly crashing her car in a “huffing” related incident.
Witnesses report that the passenger of the car was steering because the driver has passed out. The car “slammed into a bakery, after side-swiping a Ford Taurus which sent it careening into oncoming traffic and into the building.” Thankfully, no one was injured.
A 29 year-old driver was taken into custody after allegedly crashing her car in a “huffing” related incident.
Witnesses report that the passenger of the car was steering because the driver has passed out. The car “slammed into a bakery, after side-swiping a Ford Taurus which sent it careening into oncoming traffic and into the building.” Thankfully, no one was injured.
Man Accused of Huffing Kills Fiancée
From the Appeal Democrat in California:
Last month, a 21 year-old member of the U.S. Air Force received punishment for a “huffing” related incident. The punishment included: “demotion to Airman Basic, losing a half month's pay for two months, forfeiture of the firearm he used as a Security Forces member, 45 days of extra duty and a letter of reprimand.”
Two days later police say that he “killed his fiancée and then fled before being killed himself.”
His fiancée graduated this past spring and then moved to California to be with him. Police believe they got into an argument at a party and that he shot her later that night. He then “wounded a fellow airman outside before fleeing the area.” Police confronted the man the next day and “he was shot to death after firing at officers.”
Last month, a 21 year-old member of the U.S. Air Force received punishment for a “huffing” related incident. The punishment included: “demotion to Airman Basic, losing a half month's pay for two months, forfeiture of the firearm he used as a Security Forces member, 45 days of extra duty and a letter of reprimand.”
Two days later police say that he “killed his fiancée and then fled before being killed himself.”
His fiancée graduated this past spring and then moved to California to be with him. Police believe they got into an argument at a party and that he shot her later that night. He then “wounded a fellow airman outside before fleeing the area.” Police confronted the man the next day and “he was shot to death after firing at officers.”
Monday, July 20, 2009
West Coast 'Whippet' Ban Gains Speed
From the Los Angeles Times
Efforts from California lawmakers aiming to ban the sale of nitrous oxide canisters (called ‘whippets’) to minors have paid off, as legislation in the form of bill AB 1015, has passed California’s Senate Public Safety Committee and is scheduled to come up for vote in August.
State representatives believe the proposed law will help reduce inhalant abuse among adolescents by not only “prohibiting sales, but also by focusing attention on the problem [of inhalant abuse] and creating debate and awareness.”
Recently, three students attending a North Hollywood middle school were hospitalized following their inhalation of noxious chemical fumes, while a nearby high school student “lost consciousness and had to be resuscitated” due to alleged ‘huffing.’ Reports of these incidents initially elicited shock among community leaders, parents, and teachers who were seemingly unaware of the growing number of local teens who experimented with such substances.
A California woman, and mother of three cites her utter disbelief after witnessing a teenage boy purchase a canister of nitrous oxide ‘whippet’ from an ice cream truck parked outside a local elementary school. Alarmed by the accessibility of ‘whippets’ in the community, several concerned residents and parents joined together to create Boyle Heights Coalition for a Safe and Drug Free Community, a group committed to reducing inhalant abuse within the Boyle Heights community. “The group, which testified in support of bill AB 1015 received a five-year, $625,000 federal grant [to aid a local] Boys and Girls Club in educating students and parents about inhalant and other drug dangers.”
Results from a 2008 report by the Federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration show inhalants are more commonly used among 12- and 13-year-olds than marijuana and prescription drugs.
Efforts from California lawmakers aiming to ban the sale of nitrous oxide canisters (called ‘whippets’) to minors have paid off, as legislation in the form of bill AB 1015, has passed California’s Senate Public Safety Committee and is scheduled to come up for vote in August.
State representatives believe the proposed law will help reduce inhalant abuse among adolescents by not only “prohibiting sales, but also by focusing attention on the problem [of inhalant abuse] and creating debate and awareness.”
Recently, three students attending a North Hollywood middle school were hospitalized following their inhalation of noxious chemical fumes, while a nearby high school student “lost consciousness and had to be resuscitated” due to alleged ‘huffing.’ Reports of these incidents initially elicited shock among community leaders, parents, and teachers who were seemingly unaware of the growing number of local teens who experimented with such substances.
A California woman, and mother of three cites her utter disbelief after witnessing a teenage boy purchase a canister of nitrous oxide ‘whippet’ from an ice cream truck parked outside a local elementary school. Alarmed by the accessibility of ‘whippets’ in the community, several concerned residents and parents joined together to create Boyle Heights Coalition for a Safe and Drug Free Community, a group committed to reducing inhalant abuse within the Boyle Heights community. “The group, which testified in support of bill AB 1015 received a five-year, $625,000 federal grant [to aid a local] Boys and Girls Club in educating students and parents about inhalant and other drug dangers.”
Results from a 2008 report by the Federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration show inhalants are more commonly used among 12- and 13-year-olds than marijuana and prescription drugs.
Friday, July 17, 2009
DETAILS Magazine Lends Voice To Inhalant Abuse
Details- a popular men’s magazine featuring the latest fashions, lifestyle trends, and social issues concerning men, has lent a voice to the issue of inhalant abuse. The magazine’s latest issue (August 2009) contains the tragic story of an Army Private who after serving a brutal tour in Iraq, found himself battling what would be his toughest enemy of all- inhalants. Struggling to control an unrelenting case of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Private Dwyer would eventually turn to computer duster and other products to escape his muffled reality. Just 5 years after his departure from Iraq, Dwyer was pronounced dead by doctors on June 28, 2008 after heavily ‘huffing’ computer duster.I encourage everyone to read the full article located on the magazine's official website, as it provides a startling confirmation to the diversity and prevalence of inhalant abuse. For additional information on Private Dwyer and past media coverage visit http://www.iraqwarheroes.org/dwyer.htm
Details Magazine Lends A Voice To Inhalant Abuse
Details- a popular men’s magazine featuring the latest fashions, lifestyle trends, and social issues concerning men, has lent a voice to the issue of inhalant abuse. The magazine’s latest issue (August 2009) contains the tragic story of an Army Private who after serving a brutal tour in Iraq, found himself battling what would be his toughest enemy of all- inhalants. Struggling to control an unrelenting case of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Private Dwyer would eventually turn to computer duster and other products as a means to escape his muffled reality. Just 5 years after his departure from Iraq, Dwyer was pronounced dead by doctors on June 28, 2008 after heavily ‘huffing’ computer duster.
I encourage everyone to read the full article found on the magazine's official website, as it provides a startling confirmation to the diversity and prevalence of inhalant abuse. For additional information on Private Dwyer and past media coverage visit http://www.iraqwarheroes.org/dwyer.htm.
I encourage everyone to read the full article found on the magazine's official website, as it provides a startling confirmation to the diversity and prevalence of inhalant abuse. For additional information on Private Dwyer and past media coverage visit http://www.iraqwarheroes.org/dwyer.htm.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Another Teen Falls Victim To Inhalants
From The Herald Times in Fruitdale, Indiana
The recent death of a 19-year-old woman from central Indiana is being attributed to inhalant abuse by medical examiners.
Local police arrived on scene only to find the young woman unresponsive and lifeless. Coroner reports reveal the victim had been dead for at least 8 hours prior to discovery of the body.
A can of air freshener was found near the body leading investigators to further examine the scene. Upon completing a thorough assessment of the victim’s home, several items were identified as key indicators signaling a huffing related death. The teen most likely suffered from cardiac arrest- resulting from the intentional ingestion of toxic fumes.
The recent death of a 19-year-old woman from central Indiana is being attributed to inhalant abuse by medical examiners.
Local police arrived on scene only to find the young woman unresponsive and lifeless. Coroner reports reveal the victim had been dead for at least 8 hours prior to discovery of the body.
A can of air freshener was found near the body leading investigators to further examine the scene. Upon completing a thorough assessment of the victim’s home, several items were identified as key indicators signaling a huffing related death. The teen most likely suffered from cardiac arrest- resulting from the intentional ingestion of toxic fumes.
Not Your Average Trip to the Supermarket
From KETV News in Omaha, Nebraska
A 15 year old girl is lucky to be alive after she passed out in a grocery store restroom in Lincoln, Nebraska earlier this week. Store employees were alerted of the teen’s whereabouts from an accompanying friend who had made several unsuccessful attempts to revive the victim. As to the cause of the medical emergency, police have determined and confirmed that the victim was ‘huffing’ a computer dusting product in the store’s restroom facility prior to the accident- even trying to teach her friend how to get high.
Apparently, the teens had purchased a canister of duster from a nearby Wal-Mart prior to entering the grocery store. Store employees responded swiftly to the news of an unconscious teen on the premise, immediately contacting emergency professionals and the victim’s guardian. After a brief stint in the hospital the victim was released and “referred to the county attorney’s office” to undergo a drug assessment evaluation and receive further treatment.
ACE would like to note of KETV’s inaccurate reference to computer duster as ‘compressed air.’
A 15 year old girl is lucky to be alive after she passed out in a grocery store restroom in Lincoln, Nebraska earlier this week. Store employees were alerted of the teen’s whereabouts from an accompanying friend who had made several unsuccessful attempts to revive the victim. As to the cause of the medical emergency, police have determined and confirmed that the victim was ‘huffing’ a computer dusting product in the store’s restroom facility prior to the accident- even trying to teach her friend how to get high.
Apparently, the teens had purchased a canister of duster from a nearby Wal-Mart prior to entering the grocery store. Store employees responded swiftly to the news of an unconscious teen on the premise, immediately contacting emergency professionals and the victim’s guardian. After a brief stint in the hospital the victim was released and “referred to the county attorney’s office” to undergo a drug assessment evaluation and receive further treatment.
ACE would like to note of KETV’s inaccurate reference to computer duster as ‘compressed air.’
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
'Climbing the hill' with SADD
Yesterday the ACE team traveled to Bethesda, Maryland to attend the 2009 SADD – Students Against Destructive Decisions National Conference, an annual event attended by hundreds of motivated youth and adults from all across the country. With over 10,000 active SADD chapters in the United States and members ranging in age from middle school to college, Bethesda’s North Marriott Conference Center was bursting with energy and excitement as participants began the first leg of their three day journey- ‘Climbing the hill,’ the theme for this year’s gathering.SADD – Students Against Destructive Decisions is the leading youth-based prevention education organization in America, providing and empowering students with the proper prevention tools to deal with issues concerning underage drinking, drug use, impaired driving, and various other destructive decisions.
ACE conducted an hour long informational workshop defining and discussing the prominence of inhalant abuse within schools and communities across the nation. Attended by students, parents, counselors, and teachers from across the country (some as far away as California and Vermont) ACE’s presentation was extremely successful as the session facilitated insightful group discussion and dialogue!
In addition to presenting, ACE also distributed inhalant abuse information, FAQ’s and fact sheets to hundreds of SADD participants ‘hiking’ along the Exhibit Hall ‘trail.’The ACE team had a fabulous SADD ‘excursion’ and is anticipating next year’s great adventure!
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
'Huffing' Teen Prompts Hospital Chaos
From Bucks County Courier Times in Pennsylvania
A 17 year old Pennsylvania boy faces felony charges after he erratically attacked local police and hospital staff late last week. The boy’s unprovoked aggression is being linked to ‘huffing.’
Warwick County Police Chief Joseph Costello reported that in addition to generating a loud disturbance, the suspect pulled out intravenous lines, spit blood at nurses, and kicked police officers attempting to restrain him.
Police arrested the boy after they found him and a 21 year old male trespassing in a condominium complex around 4 am. Nearby resident complaints led authorities to discover the intruders ‘huffing’ balloons filled with carbon dioxide. Police also recovered several cartridges of the gas from the scene, which were used to inflate the balloons.
The suspect was transported to the hospital after police grew concerned for his safety, citing suspicious changes in mood state as he “vacillated between lethargy and aggression.”
Following his medical release, the teen was transferred to a local juvenile detention center and charged with “criminal trespass, aggravated assault, assault by prisoner, resisting arrest, and disorderly conduct.”
A 17 year old Pennsylvania boy faces felony charges after he erratically attacked local police and hospital staff late last week. The boy’s unprovoked aggression is being linked to ‘huffing.’
Warwick County Police Chief Joseph Costello reported that in addition to generating a loud disturbance, the suspect pulled out intravenous lines, spit blood at nurses, and kicked police officers attempting to restrain him.
Police arrested the boy after they found him and a 21 year old male trespassing in a condominium complex around 4 am. Nearby resident complaints led authorities to discover the intruders ‘huffing’ balloons filled with carbon dioxide. Police also recovered several cartridges of the gas from the scene, which were used to inflate the balloons.
The suspect was transported to the hospital after police grew concerned for his safety, citing suspicious changes in mood state as he “vacillated between lethargy and aggression.”
Following his medical release, the teen was transferred to a local juvenile detention center and charged with “criminal trespass, aggravated assault, assault by prisoner, resisting arrest, and disorderly conduct.”
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
California Continues to Wage War Against 'Whippets'
From a June 23, 2009 press release by California Assemblyman Tom Torlakson
Last week ACE addressed ongoing efforts in California to prohibit the sale of Nitrous Oxide 'whippets' to minors. Legislation initially proposed by Sacramento Assemblyman Tom Torlakson adamantly denouncing "the sale or distribution of nitrous oxide including any paraphernalia containing nitrous oxide to a minor under the age of eighteen; in addition to enforcing measures upon retailers to acquire proof of age prior to any sale" has garnered an official introduction into California's State Supreme Court as Bill AB 1015.
In collaboration with LA City Attorney Rocky Delgadillo, Torlakson aims to reduce the rates of inhalant abuse among teens throughout the state, eliminating "the damage [of a] seemingly innocent drug.” As the battle against 'whippets' wages on in California, ACE will provide any developments straight from 'the trenches.'
Last week ACE addressed ongoing efforts in California to prohibit the sale of Nitrous Oxide 'whippets' to minors. Legislation initially proposed by Sacramento Assemblyman Tom Torlakson adamantly denouncing "the sale or distribution of nitrous oxide including any paraphernalia containing nitrous oxide to a minor under the age of eighteen; in addition to enforcing measures upon retailers to acquire proof of age prior to any sale" has garnered an official introduction into California's State Supreme Court as Bill AB 1015.
In collaboration with LA City Attorney Rocky Delgadillo, Torlakson aims to reduce the rates of inhalant abuse among teens throughout the state, eliminating "the damage [of a] seemingly innocent drug.” As the battle against 'whippets' wages on in California, ACE will provide any developments straight from 'the trenches.'
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Take Me Out To The Ballgame!
From The Baltimore Sun in MarylandACE in coalition with the Bowie Baysox will host an inhalant abuse awareness night next week, Wednesday July 8 at 7:05 pm at Prince George’s Stadium in Bowie, Maryland.
The Baysox will take on Eastern League rivals, the Harrisburg Senators as both teams muddle through conference standings. Despite facing off seven times previously this season, the final outcome remains hazy as the Baysox have come away with three solid wins and two close victories over the Senators. It clearly is “anybody’s game.”
In addition to being AA Eastern League competitors, match ups between the Baysox and Senators also elicit a much deeper-seated local rivalry. The Baysox an affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles, and the Senators a Washington Nationals affiliate will go head-to-head next Wednesday giving Major League fans yet another opportunity to cheer on their favorite local professional team.
While fans support their teams from the stands, attendants will also have a chance to acquire critical information and resources pertaining to inhalant abuse prevention.
Please join us next Wednesday for a night of fun, entertainment, and inhalant awareness! For more information visit ACE at http://www.inhalant.org/ or the Bowie Baysox at http://www.baysox.com/.
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