Survey in Erie Shows Inhalant Use Up

The Civic Institute and Erie County Health Department in Pennsylvania just released the results of a county-wide survey of middle and high schoolers yesterday.

The creators of the study were concerned about accurate results, so Amy Eisert, the director of the Civic Institute, came up with a solution: "We included trick questions in the survey. One of them was that we listed a make-believe drug and asked students if they ever used it. If they said yes, we tossed out their survey."

Some highlights:

• The number of students who gambled in the last year was down, from 35% two years ago to 29%.
• Students who smoked in the last thirty days declined from 12.4% to 11.5%.
• Binge drinking and marijuana usage also decreased.

However, inhalant usage increased 1%.

The superintendent of Erie Schools, Jim Barker, was not surprised.

He says that the survey "mirrors what's happening in the state and across the nation," and that the report presented "clear reasons why schools, community agencies and parents have to work together" to prevent students from using drugs or alcohol.

Charlotte Berringer, the director of community health for the county Health Department, believes that "reports like this are invaluable because agencies who apply for funding need to show good, hard data. This report will help us put in evidence-based programming to deal with some of these issues."

Hopefully inhalant abuse will be addressed and more education provided in Erie County schools.

From GoErie.com.

Inhalants Included in Police Talk

Kids at a school in Orillia, Canada were taught about inhalants during an anti-drug and gang demonstration last week.

After learning about gang violence, 7th and 8th graders watched a video that began by talking about marijuana and tobacco, but led into stimulants, pills, performance-enhancing drugs, and inhalants.

An 8th grader, Angelique Garner, expressed surprise over some of the information she learned. "It's pretty crazy to know you can die from your first take of (an inhalant). I can't imagine getting involved with that."

The students also watched videos that featured the friends and family members of drug users who had died as a result of their addictions, as well as former users themselves.

The program will be moving on to a different high school next week. Police expect 450 students to attend.

Is Your Child in Trouble?

This article from the American Chronicle by Genae-Valecia Hinesman lists and details several signs that parents should watch out for, as they may indicate problems in your child's life. Many of these signals are also applicable for inhalant abuse, but this is a great article to read for any parent.

1. Erratic Behavior

"As young people carve out their own individuality separate from that of their parents´, and seek an answer to the proverbial question, "Who AM I?" they could clash more frequently with those around them. They may be happy one minute and sullen the next. Even this is normal. However, if your child starts reacting violently, either at home or at school, clearly something is seriously wrong."

2. Loss of Coordination, Glazed Eyes, Slurred Speech

"Without question, only two things can explain these symptoms. The first is that the person in question has suffered a stroke or a seizure. The second is that this person is inebriated. Both situations require immediate action. If your child is intoxicated, your first duty is to keep them from leaving the house until sober, for their own safety and the safety of others.

Once they are coherent, find out what they were taking and where they obtained it. If they were found unconscious, and taken to a hospital, medical testing will be able to provide a toxicology report. Encourage them to seek help, if addicted, and at least undergo counseling to learn how to avoid future dependency. Help in any way you can, but let them know that they must want to help themselves, in order to successfully change for the better."

3. Persistant Sadness and Withdrawel from Others

"Any child showing these signs for more than two weeks without interruption is clearly depressed. A change in eating habits and/or grooming has probably also been noticed. If so, something, or a combination of things, has triggered these changes. Your job is to find out what."

4. Honor Student to Dropout

"If your consistently top-notch student suddenly loses interest in school with grades in two or more classes plummeting, take heed! Straight A´s simply don´t turn into D´s overnight. Sit down with him or her and find out what´s happening in your child´s life.

Whatever it happens to be, let him or her know that you´re willing not only to help, but to listen as well. Refuse to accept "Leave me alone!" or "Nothing!" as acceptable answers. If they won´t talk to you, find another trusted adult with whom they will talk. Seek professional help if they need it."

5. Drastic Social Changes

"Friends and companions can and sometimes should, change a bit by the time your child leaves high school. Nevertheless, if your child´s associates suddenly are vastly different in negative ways from those they used to spend time with, this is usually a very bad sign. It´s even more telling if they now avoid or shun their old friends for no readily apparent reason."

6. Finding Unusual Possessions

"Discovering drugs, whether prescription, over-the-counter, or illegal narcotics that you had no idea that your child was using calls for immediate address. The same can be said for condoms, birth control devices, cigarettes, alcohol, and drug paraphernalia of any kind.

Recently, even glue, industrial products, and cleaning supplies have been used as inhalants (known among teens as "huffing") by kids seeking to get "high"-- often with fatal results. Finding these in your child´s room, pockets, or belongings is just as serious as finding a weapon. More than a red flag, this is a screaming siren!"

7. Legal Troubles

"Finally, if your child has been arrested at least once, this is clear indication that the situation is rapidly careening beyond the scope of your reach. By the time law enforcement becomes involved two or more times, your child has become society´s problem and the courts will soon decide his or her future.

Repeated run-ins with legal authorities can never be overlooked as "just a phase". There may still be hope, but only if drastic measures are taken and your child still cares enough to save himself or herself. Only so many chances are given to legal offenders. Don´t let time run out. Intervene while you still can."

These are all excellent points and can be of help to parents who ask, "is my kid abusing inhalants?" The warning signs are often subtle, but they are there.

Understanding Your Teen

Jonathan Tucker of San Diego, CA has taken it upon himself to educate parents about a range of problems that their children may be having with peers and drugs. His goal, he says, is simple:

"I help parents of teens
better understand their teens
through actual teen insight
into the world of teens"

He began his website, understandmyteen.com, after his friend died from an overdose of Oxycotin. He uses his site as well as an updated blog to help parents talk to their teens about drugs.

The site and blog may not be specifically about inhalant abuse, but there are many helpful ideas that can apply to a range of issues that parents have with their teenagers.

Recently, he has written about how important it is for teenagers to be involved with extracurricular activities, and provides examples of different organizations that are teen-friendly.

In addition, he brings up how to talk to your kids, mentioning that,

"having a conversation about a touchy subject like drugs is hard for any teen and parent. However, it’s a conversation that needs to happen…it’s important that your teen realize the dangers of drug use and how it can tear lives apart.

Having a productive and effective conversation about drugs with your teen is very important. I would suggest ‘breaking the ice’ by having some comedic or funny beginning to the conversation.

Show the teen a funny video or movie scene related to drugs

Tell the teen a story you heard about someone doing something ridiculous when they were ‘high’

Think of any way to make the conversation start off as funny…this will help your teen open up to you.

Understand that I’m not trying to suggest that drug use is funny…not at all! Instead, I’m telling you how to strategically start a conversation about this touchy subject with your teen so that they’ll actually listen to you.

If the conversation starts off awkward, your teen will shut off to you and simply hope the conversation is over as soon as possible…that’s not a good or effective conversation at all."

Safe Kids Against Inhalants

Safe Kids of Central Shenandoah Valley has done a great job in raising awareness of inhalant abuse prevention in their community! After receiving a grant from the Virginia Department of Health in 2007, they began their efforts to spread inhalant abuse prevention messages to youths.

They have collaborated with the Harrisonburg City Schools and Risk Watch to issue a poster and essay contest for 7th graders. Their poster and essay contest was such a success last year, they are doing the same project again this year. Each participant will receive an "Inhalants Stink" t-shirt and tickets to the movie theater. The program is currently wrapping up for 2008, and they are happy to announce there have been more participants this year than last!

Safe Kids and the Strong Families Great Youth Coalitions have been working hard on getting inhalant prevention messages out to the Harrisonburg and Rockingham County community. Their Inhalant Abuse prevention display board has been rotated around Harrisonburg businesses and agencies during the past year. The board contains essential information for parents, educators and kids. That board has rotated around 10 businesses in Harrisonburg.

In addition to that, Safe Kids has incorporated table tents and tray liners which appear in middle schools and restaurants.

Safe Kids has also had a presence at several symposiums and fairs during the year. They exhibit their information in a variety of ways, including: table tents, bookmarks, tray liners, Virginia Department of Health’s tip sheet, and ACE’s What Every Parent Needs to Know About Inhalant Abuse brochures to name a few.

Notably, the group featured Inhalant Abuse prevention at the Harrisonburg Teen Pregnancy Prevention’s 2007 Teen Health fair. Approximately 400 teens were in attendance at the fair!

For more information on this group, or to find out how you can get involved, please contact Cindy Reeves at 540-433-4421 or email creeves@rhcc.com.

Parent Warns About Accessible Drugs

William Brigham of Scotts Valley, California wrote an article in the Press Banner that touches on several drugs that are easily available to kids - including inhalants.

He begins by saying,

"When mention is made of teen drug use, substances like marijuana, ecstasy and methamphetamine are often what come to mind. But the other drugs that are not discussed enough are those found in your home, within easy reach of young people."

He then continues by explaining inhalants, and that "many such substances are available to young people, and they provide effects similar to alcohol: an initial rush followed by disinhibition, slurred speech and stupor, depending on how much was used."

Also mentioned are the problems that can be caused:

"Organ damage from sniffing solvents can be quite serious, including harm to the heart, brain, kidneys, lung or liver. More than 2 million teens have used inhalants, and while most will grow out of that particular drug use, some will continue and incur considerable physical harm."

Mr. Brigham is also an administrator of the NFL Program for Substances of Abuse.

Malaysian Organization Works to Curb Abuse

In response to trends of inhalant abuse, the Malaysian Association for the Prevention of Drug Abuse, or Pemadam, are recruiting experts to study inhalants and create a strategy to inhibit the abuse in students.

Pemadam's general secretary, Datuk Kamilia Ibrahim, announced that they

"take a serious view of youths including students who sniff glue, petrol and paint as it can harm them."

Also, Pemadam will be organizing an anti-inhalant committee, which will include "academicians, researchers, police and related agencies".

There are going to be nationwide campaigns to raise awareness as well as legislature entitled 'The Intoxicating Substances Act'.

In addition, Ibrahim has "urged producers of glue, paint and petrol to reduce the smell of inhalants as this would help tackle the problem."

Story from Bermana.com, Malaysian National News Agency.

Grand Island Middle School Congress Meets

On Wednesday, we posted a story about Grand Island, Nebraska's concern about inhalant use in students. One of the responses of the school district to the increasing drug usage in their area was to form a Middle School Youth Congress, comprised of eighty-five middle schoolers who went on a retreat to become better educated in topics such as drug awareness and peer pressure.

The Congress seems to have been a great success. Chuck Matson of the Omaha Police Department explained the difference between using drugs to become healthy versus using them to get high. He especially focued on the abuse of inhalants, and discussed the physical harm that can occur to the body with inhalant use.

He also reminded the students that death can occur the first time that anyone tries inhalants.

Story from the Grand Island Independent.

Internet Trends Worrisome in Nebraska

Community leaders in Grand Island, Nebraska are warning parents about the susceptability of children to trends on the internet, specifically YouTube videos advocating mixing prescription drugs and using inhalants.

A drug expert from Omaha, Chuck Matson, agrees that YouTube encourages kids to try inhalants and that "especially in our middle school age category, we're seeing an increase in use and abuse of inhalants."

One of the students from Barr Middle School, Mckenzie Fyfe, described the inhalant use that she encounters in her classmates:

"They inhale paint in art class, and inhale sharpie markers. They do it in school and after school, when the teacher's not looking. Sometimes they do it in the hallway or the bathrooms. It's just not things we should be doing at twelve-years-old."

Grand Island School District received a grant to form a Middle School Youth Congress formed of eighty-five students. The students are on a retreat today learning about drug trends, avoiding pressure, leadership qualities, and making good decisions.

Story from Nebraska.tv.

R.O.C.K Against Inhalants

A Christian organization based in Ohio named R.O.C.K (Reclaim Our Community Kids) sponsored Drug Update 2008 to inform parents about the drugs that their children are using.

The Rev. Ralph Edwards agreed with other speakers present that the younger that a child is when he begins using drugs, the more likely he is to become addicted. Edwards encouraged parents to,

"spend time with them and know what they’re doing. It makes a difference. It’s not that addiction is anything new, but it’s getting to our kids earlier and earlier, younger and younger. There are more and more kids who just don’t get that they can die from it.”

A police officer from Beaver Township, Brian Hartman, was one of the presenters at the meeting. He focused on describing inhalants and their increasing appeal towards younger children: “We’re talking fourth-graders, even younger. They have easy access to these products in their own homes, at school, all around them, and many of them are using them.”

Article found at Vindy.com.

ACE and Rock Cats

OurSportsNetwork.com just posted the story that the Alliance for Consumer Education and the New Britain Rock Cats are joining forces to promote an anti-inhalant message to kids and their families throughout the baseball season.

The Rock Cats are the AA Eastern League affiliate of the Minnesota Twins, and the manager John Willi has said that,

"We in New Britain are in awe of the work being done by the Alliance to address the important issue of inhalant abuse. The Rock Cats can provide ACE an ideal venue to reach families in Connecticut and Western Massachusetts and help to positively impact their lives."

Some of the features of this partnership include:

• Inhalant Abuse Awareness Night at the New Britain Stadium is being held on May 17th. The Rock Cats will be playing against the Portland Sea Dogs.
• ACE will distribute hats with the Rock Cats logo to the first 1,500 fans ages 12 and under.
• ACE members will be at the game to discuss inhalant abuse with parents and kids.
• Brochures will be available at all home games throughout the season.
• Public Service Announcements about inhalant abuse will run and use minor league baseball players to explain the dangers of huffing.
• The Rock Cats are holding an essay contest for kids 17 and younger asking them to write about why people should avoid using inhalants.
• The winners of this contest will meet the Rock Cats Players, be recognized on the field, and throw out the first pitch of the game.

We're very excited about this partnership and can't wait until game day!

Inhalant Use at WebMD

WebMD, one of the most trusted online medical sites, has recently added an article using data from a governmental report released in March to warn parents about the prevelance of inhalant abuse among youth.

We're glad to see inhalants featured by such a reputable source.

Inhalant Prevention Guide

The Virginia Department of Education recently promoted their booklet entitled "Inhalant Abuse Prevention: Staff Education and Student Curriculum" at the Inhalant Abuse Prevention Awareness Institute on March 12th in Staunton, VA.

This incredible resource highlights reasons for abuse, principles for abuse prevention, activities for classes, and many, many more topics. The photo to the left shows the guide being displayed by Arlene Cundriff, the coordinator the Safe and Drug-Free Schools Program, part of the Virginia Department of Education.

CADCA

ACE visited the Community Anti-Drug Coalition of America's convention held in downtown Washington DC. Here's a picture of our group and some information on CADCA.