Q&A With Board Certified Family Medicine Physician: Dr. Caudle

Dr. Jennifer Caudle is a physician Board certified in Family Medicine who promotes , wellness and motivational programs. She has appeared on ABC News, written healthy advice articles and led workshops nationally. Her message of wellness has reached over 50,000 people and she can be found at http://www.jennifercaudle.com/.


Q: How should parents promote dialogue with their children about inhalant abuse?

A: One of the best things to do is to ask about their behavior, friends behavior and things they’ve seen

Q: What would you like children to know about the danger and severity of inhalant abuse?

A: A lot of people don’t know how common it is. You can have effects after the first try such as nausea, headaches; and more serious issues such as kidney, heart, lung problems and even sudden death.

Q: What are some treatments inhalant abusers must undergo to end their addiction?

A: There are treatment centers for abusers to get help. The most important thing is to get them help.

Q: Why do you feel inhalants are so popular?
A: Inhalants are popular because they are so easy to find. Many substances can be found around the house and at hardware stores.

Q: What is something that is usually overlooked when it comes to inhalant abuse?

A: A lot of adults abuse inhalants as well. Well over 54% of people who go to treatment are adults. Inhalant abuse can happen at all ages.

Q: What is your main message to the public?

A: People tend to overlook inhalant abuse as substance abuse when in reality it is. The signs are not always clear you may or may not notice them. Knowledge is power. We need to educate children, adults and health care providers more on this issue. No one should use inhalants. Parents, talk to your kids about the dangers. Also, physicians are always a great resource for any questions or advice.

Inhalant Abuse: Is Your Child Above The Influence?

From HealthCanal.com (June 23):

Officials at the Oklahoma Poison Control Center are responding to a worrying trend among teens. They are seeing rises in the use of non-traditional drugs. Termed a 'silent epidemic', the Center is giving parents more tools to reduce their chance of losing a child to inhalant abuse.

Equipping parents with knowledge about effects and signs of inhalant abuse plays a major role in curbing teen drug use. The poison control authority recommended the following tips to help your teen stay clean. View our complete list of warning signs so you can recognize the problem before it is too late.

• Talk to your kids about inhalant abuse.
• Correction fluid, nail polish remover, and gasoline are commonly abused.
• Inhalant abuse can kill. 22% of inhalant abuse deaths are attributed to Sudden Sniffing Death Syndrome, a chemically induced cardiac arrest, one study found.
• Be suspicious. If you are replacing household products, such as computer duster, inquire about where it is going.

Don't let inhalant abuse take your breath away. Visit www.inhalant.org to find more information about the dangers associated with the household high that may be as close as your kitchen sink.

Concerned Citizens Gather To Talk About Inhalant Abuse

From the Port Clinton News Herald (March 8):

A local awareness group is showing parents how to spot inhalant abuse before it is too late. Members of the action group organized an event called "Hidden in Plain Sight" to highlight seemingly innocuous items that can facilitate inhalant use.

The group recognized most parents are distanced from the peers and exposure their children are exposed to daily. One member said, "We hope that this is the first step of a process to look at the world our kids live in. We don't know everything we need to know."

The event showed parents ways to spot inhalant use such as empty aerosol cans, mood swings, misplaced markers and unusual smells on a child's breath or clothing. "I find it amazing how they can hide things," a parent said, "If you're not up on it, you wouldn't think about these things."

Remember Jacob's Smile...

My name is Gail and I never in my wildest dreams thought I would be writing this story. No parent ever wants to write about their child's death. I pray every day that no other parent ever has to write a story about the death of their- child.

On May 18,2008 the Henry family celebrated the graduation of their son, Jacob Albert Henry, age 18. We had a big party at our home with all the aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.
Aunt Linda made dishes from the Philippines and other American food was provided. A good friend of Aunt Carol's made the cakes. Everything was delicious. There was fun for everyone.
Jacob was grateful for the gifts of money he received. The money was needed for expenses when he went to college in June 2008.
Jacob made friends easily. His grandma always said that Jacob never met a stranger. He was kind to everyone and loved family, friends, our dogs (Dusty, Xerox, Jazz) football, video games, music (Saxophones), Civil War History and Indian Lore. Jacob moved to Evansville at the end of May to live with his Grandma. He planned to attend college at Madison Media Institute (MMI) in Madison, Wisconsin. I never saw Jacob as excited as he was about starting school at MMI. He started classes at MMI on June 2, 2008. He enjoyed school and was well liked by his classmates, the staff and teachers. Jacob made many good friends during his short time at MMI. He really enjoyed his classes.

I received phone calls most everyday telling me what he had done in his classes that day. The phone call I remember the most is the day he called and was so excited he almost reached through the telephone wires. In one of his classes, Jacob had the opportunity to play a vintage bass saxophone brought in by Mr. Hanah, his instructor. Jacob loved his saxophones. He had played all the different saxophones in high school, except the Bass. Playing that Bass Sax was a dream come true for him. After Jacob's death I talked to his high school band teacher. She told me that Jacob had asked her many times if the school could get a Bass Sax. She told him no because that they were very expensive and there wouldn't be a Bass Sax at school. Jacob told me that he played the Bass and he was so nervous he was hardly able to play. He talked for a long time about how he was chosen to play the Bass. He also told me the Bass Sax he played was only one of ten in the U.S.A. That moment was very special to him.

He was having trouble with some of his classes so he was signed up to work with a tutor. He went to his first class and that afternoon he called me like most days and told me that the things he was having trouble with were clear to him now. He was excited about going back the following week but he never returned to that tutoring class. We were in the process of moving from Northern Wisconsin, where Jacob grew up, to Evansville, Wisconsin. We would be closer to Jacob and we planned to bring some more things down that weekend. Jacob's dad worked in Illinois so he just drove up to Evansville that Friday night. I would travel down from our home on Saturday.

When my husband arrived at the house on Friday night, Jacob wasn't home which wasn't too shocking because he spent a lot of time at the pool with his friends. Jacob never came home Friday night. We were all worried and shocked at the same time. It wasn't like Jacob not to call whenever he was gone for a long time he would call. I called his cell phone many times on Saturday without an answer. I didn't know it was sitting on his nightstand. That was strange because that phone seemed to be attached to some part of his body all the time. I arrived at mom's around noon on Saturday and Jacob was still not home.

We really started to worry because this wasn't right. He always called when he wasn't coming home to let us know where he was and when he would be home. We drove around looking in the park and around town asking kids if they had seen him and when. We even drove out of town thinking he may have gone someplace with someone that had a car. We spent lots of time calling the numbers on his cell phone thinking maybe one of them would know where he was.

On Saturday afternoon around 3 pm we called the Evansville Police Department. The officer came to the house and we filled out a missing persons report. The officer asked us questions and looked in his room. My husband told the officer that when he arrived on Friday evening Jacob's X-Box was on "Pause". To us that meant that someone had knocked on the door to drag him away from playing his game. When he was playing the video games nothing could drag him away from them. The Officer later returned with a copy of the report that went out to other police departments. Waiting for any news was a torture I never want to go through again.
We were talking about where he could be. My mom said something about the neighbor's sunroom door being unlocked. Jacob told her about it earlier that week because he had accidentally opened it. I thought what the heck I might as well check it out so I walked out of our sunroom door over to the neighbors who had recently moved. I opened the door and looked inside hoping that maybe Jacob had gone in and fell asleep. I didn't see anything.

I turned to walk back and met my husband coming out of the door. We saw Jacob at the same time. He was lying by the air conditioner behind my mom's apartment. We both yelled his name and ran over to him. My husband got there first and shook him. He turned to me and said," He is dead, go call the police". Jacob had a black plastic bag over his head. My husband ripped it open and walked away. I went to tell my mom that Jacob was dead and called 911. I told the police that I had filled out a missing persons report on him earlier and that we had found him dead outside my mom's apartment. When I saw him lying with that black plastic bag over his head my thought was that he had killed himself but I couldn't believe that he would do that. However I had heard earlier from his cousin that he was having some problems with some kids teasing him. It was really bothering him.

The police came to the house and started an investigation that would shock all of us in many ways. The officer told me something that I never thought I would hear about our son. The police officer told us that they thought Jacob was "huffing refrigerant". I had never heard of such a thing. I looked at the officer and told him straight out that someone have had to shown him how to do that because there was no way he would thought of that on his own. It had been a problem around Evansville. The officer knew there had been 3 different kids sent to the hospital because of the huffing of refrigerant. He told us that it does one of three things:
It will get you high as intended
It will freeze your lungs and send you to the hospital
It will KILL you

At that time the Rock County Detective came into the house and talked to the family including my brother and his wife. They asked us questions about Jacob such as what kind of a kid was he? When we last saw him? What time we last talked to him? I made it clear during that questioning that someone had to have shown him how to do that because " There is NO way" that he would have thought of that himself. They told us that they thought Jacob had laid there since sometime Friday.

On Sunday we received a phone call from a friend of Jacob's. She told me the names of two boys that she said had shown him this deadly high. I immediately called the Rock County Detective and informed him of this new development. They had to look for the boys but finally found them and talked to them. The two boys admitted that they did in fact show Jacob how to huff refrigerant. When the detective told me this I was shocked to think that someone would show others how to do something that could possibly kill them. The most shocking thing is that the detective told us that there was nothing they could do to the boys because they denied they were with him that day. We found out a few days later that one of the boys was caught showing a 13 year old girl how to huff refrigerant. These two boys are out showing other peoples children how to do this deadly thing and nothing is being done about it by our law enforcement.

Since Law enforcement isn't able or willing to protect our children, we as parents have to be their guardians. Please talk to your children; make sure they know just what refrigerant can do to them. Huffing anything can KILL you. Our family still doesn't believe that Jacob was alone that day. I will close this with something that a dear friend said at Jacob's funeral. This touched me so much because it was truly Jacob as you can see in his picture.

"Remember Jacob's Smile And Carry It With You In Your Heart".

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.

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

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."

Blogger Posts About Inhalants After Funeral

My Two Pennies of Denver, Colorado blogged about inhalant abuse last week.

She mentions many statistics related to inhalants, and also other dangers that many aren't aware of:

"Besides sudden cardiac arrest (the most common cause of death from inhalants), huffing can kill quickly in a number of other ways. Motor vehicle accidents, falls, and other traumatic injuries are common and horrible. Others die from suffocation, burns, suicide (from the depression that can follow the high), and from choking – on their own vomit.

When huffing doesn’t kill quickly, it damages the body each time–especially the brain. Huffing can cause memory loss, impaired concentration, hearing loss, loss of
coordination, and permanent brain damage. Chronic use can cause permanent heart,
lung, liver, and kidney damage as well."

As a warning to parents, she explains that,

"Most huffing takes place with friends (although kids who sniff correction fluid in class when their teachers turn away are not uncommon). Be observant of your child and his or her friends.

Inhalants gradually leave the body for 2 weeks following huffing–mostly through exhaling. The characteristic odor is the biggest clue. Be on the lookout for breath or clothing that smells like chemicals. Look for clothing stains. Watch for spots or sores around the mouth.

Nausea, lack of appetite, weight loss, nervousness, restlessness, and outbursts of anger can all be signs of inhalant abuse. A drunk, dazed, or glassy-eyed appearance
might mean your child is abusing inhalants right now."

She also pleads with parents to sit down and discuss inhalant abuse with their children early, because,

"Preventing huffing is far better than trying to treat an inhalant addiction. Talking with your child about it is more powerful than anything else (NIDA Research Monograph, 1988;85:8–29).

Start talking with your child about it now. Although huffing peaks between the ages of 12 and 15 years, it often starts “innocently” in children only 6 to 8 years old
(Pediatrics, 1996;97:3).

Literally thousands of easily available substances can be inhaled, so you can’t keep your child away from them. You can, however, educate and inspire."

The author posted this after attending a funeral for a 20-year-old who accidentally died after huffing. She writes,

"The pain it caused his family and friends was enormous and the loss of the one they loved will haunt them forever. This is a real, dangerous problem. Anyone, even a first time user, can die."

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.

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.

Refrigerant Abuse in Canyon Lake

The Friday Flier printed a letter to the editor on May 2nd from Laurie Saumers, who submitted this piece "in an effort to help get the word out to all parents and residents in our local community[Canyon Lake, CA]".

"Huffing refrigerant is the new and latest high for our children. “Refrigerant?” you’re asking – at least that’s what we asked!

Here is what I learned. Our young children are huffing refrigerant from air conditioners through our community. Apparently this is a cheap and easy high for them, but one that is lethal and will kill. It has killed in the past and will continue too kill until we put a stop to it. This has become the choice drug for children ages 8 to 15, but not limited. They have easy access and it cannot be traced through blood testing.

This was brought to my attention just recently by a gentleman who actually brought his young son who was high on refrigerant to my house late one evening to inform me that my son showed his son how to do this. My first reaction was, “Not my son.” After two days of looking into this, contacting the authorities and the POA [Property Owners Association], many tears later my husband and I are here to say, “Yes our son, yes your son and yes their son.”

Yes, this behavior is out there and happening everyday in our neighborhoods. It’s easy, our air conditioners are right there and, to be honest, who would think someone would steal your refrigerant – but they are! Please watch for this, it could be one child, or even a group them. If they are near your air conditioner they are probably up to no good.

This type of high is very habit forming and very deadly; it has no prejudice, it will take all who is willing. Please talk with your children, know their friends. Make it your business to know who is hanging around your house and neighborhood. I have
always known my son’s friend and their parents. My husband and I can tell you
that, if we had been a little more proactive watching the neighborhood, we would
not be going through this! We love our son, we love your sons; this needs to
stop.

The local authorities are aware this is going on and so is the POA. I will be contacting the local elementary, middle and high schools. We also need your help."

Another resident of Canyon Lake, Charlene Kussner, responded to the letter in the next week's Flyer:

"I wanted to thank Laurie Saumers for her letter to the editor about huffing refrigerant. As a parent of two boys in Canyon Lake, I appreciate her honesty and forthrightness in addressing this issue. We are a community and it does, indeed, take a "village" sometimes to protect our children.

With her candid letter, other parents are now aware of this problem and we can all be vigilant in protecting our young people. Mother to mother – thank you, Laurie!"

Three Girls Huff on Bus, Become Ill

In Rhea County, Tennessee, parents are becoming aware of a 'dusting' fad with their kids.

On April 9th, three girls aged 13-15 used a computer duster to get high on the bus on the way to school. Upon arrival, one of the girls began to throw up and was taken to a local medical center. Soon after, the two other girls became nauseous and threw up, and were also taken to the medical center.

The school's Resource Officer investigated and found out what happened. He confiscated the can of computer duster and charged the girls with inhaling the chemical for unlawful purposes amd took them to the Rhea County Juvenile Detention Center.

One of the girls needed to be taken back to the medical center after she was sick again. Judge Jim McKenzie then released the girls to their parents. On the subject of inhaling computer duster, he says that,

"This is the same as huffing propane — we had a kid die of that on the mountain a while back—gasoline, markers, White Out, anything like that. They are all against the law and most of them can kill you.”

He also suggested that parents keep an eye out for warning signs in their children, such as having multiple cans of computer duster or odd smells on their breath or clothes.

“I’d encourage parents to check their kids’ backpacks every day regardless of their age. If they find Dust-Off or glue or spray paint or a bunch of Magic Markers, they should call my office or the Rhea County Sheriff’s Department so we can get them some help.”

Story from The Herald-News.

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!

Keeping Parents Educated

The News Transcript of New Jersey printed a letter to the editor a while ago reminding readers of the dangers of inhalants. "Parents remain out of the loop on inhalant abuse" was written by Mary Pat Angelini.

She quotes the National Institute on Drug Abuse's 'Monitoring the Future Survey', saying that,

"A recent study by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission showed that 95 percent of parents believe their child has never used inhalants. Yet, almost one in five eighth-graders has intentionally inhaled everyday office, school and household products at the risk of brain damage and even death."

Ms. Angelini is the Executive Director and CEO of Prevention First Ocean Township and urges parents to contact her and receive a free copy of "A Parents Guide to Preventing Inhalant Abuse".

Parents not from the New Jersey area are reminded that the Alliance for Consumer Education has many resources on the main inhalant site, http://www.inhalant.org/.

Duster Death in South Florida

The South Florida Sun-Sentinel ran a story today about Jason Emanuel, who died in February after inhaling computer duster.

He was originally from North Carolina and was arrested twice in December in Boynton Beach, Florida for huffing in his car outside of Wal-Mart. Soon after, he was arrested for huffing outside of a SuperTarget. The police reported him as being "unsteady on his feet" and "incoherent".

Jason had been kicked out of a drug rehabilitation halfway house a few days before his death on February 26th. He lived out of his car for three days until the police were called to a Wal-Mart where Jason told the officers that he had been huffing.

On the way to the hospital, he had a seizure and stopped breathing.

He was from an upper middle-class background and was educated in private schools. He studied at Appalachian State University before dropping out to seek treatment for his drug problems.

His father Chris said, "Jason was not a criminal. He wasn't a guy that would stick up the 7-Eleven. He had a problem and eventually it defeated him."

Chris also mentioned how Jason progressed from using marijuana to using inhalants, explaining,

"He got off marijuana because he didn't like finding dealers. You can go to any place and find an inhalant."

Jason's longtime friend Elliot mentioned,

"He just didn't act like someone who was a drug addict. With my generation, people get so concerned with drugs you hear about in pop culture. That's really not the problem. It's the prescription drugs and the stuff you buy at Wal-Mart."

ACE's executive director Colleen Creighton was quoted in the article talking about the prevalence of inhalants.

"You see kids on YouTube joking around, laughing and having fun, and the risk really isn't conveyed. The frightening thing for us is how young the kids are who are using."

17-Year-Old Dies in Michigan

The online newspaper of Monroe County, Michigan ran a story yesterday about Michael Crowder III, who died after inhaling computer duster in early December. He was found by his grandmother in the bathroom with a bag, the cleaner, and a belt. His mother said that she

"talked to her son many times about drugs. She told him about teenagers smoking pot and even snorting cocaine. But they never really talked about dusting because, frankly, she didn't know such a practice existed."I didn't realize what it was," she said quietly." [...]

"Everybody talks about cocaine and heroin and methamphetamines and alcohol," Ms. Feamster said from her mother's home in the Carleton Mobile Home Park. "But Michael wasn't interested in doing drugs. He was very, very educated on drug use. We talked about it."

Ms. Feamster, Michael's mother, has begun to speak out about inhalant use so that young people realize what a dangerous game it can be.

"It's Russian roulette. It really is," Ms. Feamster said. "And I have to talk about it. Maybe somebody will listen to me."

Huffing, Puffing, and Dying

ArticleCat featured a post written by Corinne Bridgewater about a tragedy that hit close to her family. She explained how she had never thought of inhalant abuse as something that would appeal to her kids, and how shocked she was when a friend told her about her son's abuse problem.

My friend Christine was happily married; she had two teenage children, one boy and a girl. She was in all ways, just like me. We had a mothers group that met every Wednesday morning, where we would talk of “parenting”. We really thought we had the pulse of our children.

Then it happened, Christine came to our Wednesday morning group and told us her son Paul got arrested the previous night for huffing. Of course he said he was sorry, that it was his first time and he didn’t really like it at all, he was just going along with his friends. We took up the banner, our teenagers were not going to be huffing, puffing and dying!

Oh yes, we had found the problem, come against it with awareness and all was well in our lives once more. Well, won’t someone slap dumb on our foreheads?

Awareness hit our families hard. Paul was addicted to huffing and not only that, the stuff he used in his addiction were all things in their home, all things in my home. Stuff like whip cream cans, nail polish, white out and air freshener.

From Christine we learned to look at our children in new ways. Not that we believed they were doing anything, but it was comforting to be armed with the ability to at least know. So we looked into their eyes to see if they were glassy or glazed over, we made sure their appetites were always good and definitely did we lean in close to see if we smelled anything like chemicals coming from the breath or clothes.

Unfortunately our story does not end there. Oh no. Our banner was then torn to shreds one night. Our teenagers are huffing, puffing and dying.

It was midnight and the phone rang; every parent hates these phone calls, as you turn to pick up the receiver your mind is going over just where your children are. This was a call from Christine, her voice was calm, John had been in an accident and she was at the hospital. The police had just left.

Yes, my thoughts were, “Phew, if the police just left at least he is alive”. But before I could speak she said, “It seems, his friend and him were driving around having fun and their car went off the road. The car is smashed. Again I was going to say, “Well at least the boys are Ok”. Once more she cut in, “both the boys had been huffing, their faces covered with gray paint, and they are dead.”

If I never have to hear the sound of that voice coming from someone I know, it will be too soon. Our teenagers are huffing, puffing and dying kept running in my head.

I can only add for anyone that is reading this, if you think or know someone that is “playing around with inhalants”, get them help. Expose it. Don’t worry what they are
saying or thinking. Just do it. Don’t think because it is a cleaning supply that is safe in your house, that is safe from your kids. Whatever you believe, don’t believe that inhalants can’t hurt, because believe me they can kill, because our teenagers are huffing, puffing and dying.

Past Inhalant Use

On the blog Here and Now, a woman now in her 30's describes her experience with trying inhalants at an early age:

I was 14 years old at my friend Rebecca’s house (because I lived there after running away from home), and we were bored troubled teens looking for something to do. We had some of our mutual friends come over and one of them decided it would be a good idea to bring butane for all of us to inhale so we could get high.

We all took turns inhaling the toxic fumes, not knowing that it could be our last breath. It made me feel dizzy and nauseated and drunk. At the time it was fun and games, plus everyone else was doing it too so why not? [...]

You may be thinking (my bobby would never do that)-but you just don’t know. My parents did not know that I was doing it either and I am 33 years old now with three children of my own and my parents still don’t know that I did that when I was a teen. That is not something a lot of kids want to brag about to an adult and will do anything to hide it from their parents. It is a dangerous reality and something that cannot be ignored. If you notice shoe polish or any other chemicals in your teens room, you may want to get to the bottom of it because it is always better to be safe now then sorry later when it’s too late.

Kim Manlove - A Parent Educating Parents

On February 28th, Hamilton Southeastern Schools presented a parents-only seminar about inhalants and prescription drug abuse in the home. One of the speakers at the meeting was Mr. Kim Manlove, who lost his son David to inhalant abuse.

The community forum went wonderfully, he said. There were about 175 parents present at the meeting. For the section on inhalants, they showed a new video as well as a PowerPoint presentation. Information was provided about the signs and symptoms of inhalant use, the associated paraphernalia, and the physical evidence.

He explained what a revelation it is for parents to realize just how many household and commonly-used products can be abused. “You don’t see parents saying, ‘I had no idea!’ about drugs, cocaine or alcohol,” he continued, “Inhalants are not on their radar screen.”

The questions from parents were varied, from wanting to know what specifically to look for in their child, to wondering what it was that drives kids to 'huff'. Although many believe that their kids are safe, he warns parents that there are products in their houses that have the potential to be abused.

Also speaking was a recovering inhalant abuser, who described his relationship with inhalants and why he used them, and what finally brought him to seek help.

One notable demonstration of Kim's that the audience will remember used a mirror and computer duster to show its potentially hazardous effects. He sprayed the mirror with an upside-down can of computer duster to show the frost that covers it. This revealed how cold the chemical inside can be, in order to further explain that it's not just compressed air. Frostbite around the nose and mouth can be one of the symptoms of abusing computer dusters.

We're glad that Hamilton Southeastern took such a proactive approach in educating the community and hope that more schools reach out in the future.

Kim Manlove also maintains a blog for Parent Partners to spread his prevention message even further.

New Virginia Inhalant Prevention Coalition Chair

Marta Szuba, the current CADRE coordinator, has been given a chair position at the Virginia Inhalant Prevention Coalition. Other members on the board include representatives from the Virginia Department of Health, the Virginia State Board of Education, poison control, and the governor's office.


The Prevention Coalition is holding a town hall meeting on March 11th featuring Sgt. Jeff Williams, as well as an Inhalant Institute on March 12th to educate local residents about inhalant abuse. They will also be releasing a new inhalant curriculum to be used in all elementary, middle, and high schools in Virginia.

Photo courtesy of the News Leader.