From the Courthouse News Service in Alaska:
The Alaska Supreme Court just ruled that a “man who damaged his brain by huffing chemicals must remain in a mental institution against his will, even though treatment is unlikely to help him.”
The article notes that he “damaged his frontal lobe through huffing gasoline fumes and other inhalants” and that “if he is discharged from the institute, he will go back to huffing.”
The doctor wrote "He cannot perceive and understand reality. His judgment is extremely poor and he is unable to make rational decisions, as shown by his continued desire to inhale toxic substances."
Blog Report
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Inhalant Abuse as First Drug of Choice?
From TransWorldNews in Monroe, GA:
The article references the 2007 National Survey on Drug Use and Health.
"The majority of youths reported that marijuana was the first drug they tried (56%), followed by prescription-type drugs used nonmedically (24%), and inhalants (17%).
The article references the 2007 National Survey on Drug Use and Health.
"The majority of youths reported that marijuana was the first drug they tried (56%), followed by prescription-type drugs used nonmedically (24%), and inhalants (17%).
20 Percent Have Tried Inhalants
From White Mountain Independent in Arizona:
The article references a local survey of students in 7th through 12th grade. The results revealed that “20% of the respondents had tried inhalants (gasoline, glue, aerosol propellants).”
The article references a local survey of students in 7th through 12th grade. The results revealed that “20% of the respondents had tried inhalants (gasoline, glue, aerosol propellants).”
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
14 Year Old Boy Dies From Huffing Butane
From South Carolina Now:
Last weekend, the body of a 14 year-old boy was found in his backyard. The boy’s body was “blistered on his chest and forearms” and police say he died from huffing butane gas from cigarette lighters.
He told his mother he was going outside to get supplies for a trip to the beach. When he took a long time to return, the family went looking for him. His half-brother located the body and they called 911. His death was ruled accidental.
Last weekend, the body of a 14 year-old boy was found in his backyard. The boy’s body was “blistered on his chest and forearms” and police say he died from huffing butane gas from cigarette lighters.
He told his mother he was going outside to get supplies for a trip to the beach. When he took a long time to return, the family went looking for him. His half-brother located the body and they called 911. His death was ruled accidental.
Woman Huffs While Stealing Dusters
From NBC4i.com in Columbus Ohio:
Last March, a woman was caught stealing cans of computer dusting spray. She was also “huffing while she was shoplifting the items.” She faces up to 180 days in jail if convicted.
In the article, a counselor notes, “it’s not an addiction his counselors see often, but that when they do, it can have disastrous results.”
Last March, a woman was caught stealing cans of computer dusting spray. She was also “huffing while she was shoplifting the items.” She faces up to 180 days in jail if convicted.
In the article, a counselor notes, “it’s not an addiction his counselors see often, but that when they do, it can have disastrous results.”
Inhalant Use in Morgan County, Indiana
From the Reporter-Times in Martinsville, Indiana:
Indiana Prevention Resource Center at Indiana University just released the results of its 2008 survey of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs. “The anonymous, statewide survey sample included 4,206 Morgan County students in grades six through 12 in the county’s four school systems.”
The survey found that “Use of inhalants by sixth graders is higher than the statewide average, but lower among high school seniors and approximately the same as the national average.”
Indiana Prevention Resource Center at Indiana University just released the results of its 2008 survey of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs. “The anonymous, statewide survey sample included 4,206 Morgan County students in grades six through 12 in the county’s four school systems.”
The survey found that “Use of inhalants by sixth graders is higher than the statewide average, but lower among high school seniors and approximately the same as the national average.”
California Raising Healthy Families Festival
From the Whittier Daily News in California:
We are happy to see this local community discussing inhalant abuse:
“The East Whittier City School District's Project WINK (Whittier Intercommunity Network for Kids) will hold a family festival from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at Leffingwell Elementary School” Educational workshops for parents will be provided and one of the sessions is entitled, "Prevent the Dangers of Inhalants and Other Drugs."
“Project WINK includes partnerships with the Whittier Police Department, Intercommunity Child Guidance Center, SPIRITT Family Services, Los Angeles Centers for Alcohol and Drug Abuse, SKILLS Foundation, Presbyterian Intercommunity Hospital, Options State Preschool, and Exchange Club Family Support Center.”
We are happy to see this local community discussing inhalant abuse:
“The East Whittier City School District's Project WINK (Whittier Intercommunity Network for Kids) will hold a family festival from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at Leffingwell Elementary School” Educational workshops for parents will be provided and one of the sessions is entitled, "Prevent the Dangers of Inhalants and Other Drugs."
“Project WINK includes partnerships with the Whittier Police Department, Intercommunity Child Guidance Center, SPIRITT Family Services, Los Angeles Centers for Alcohol and Drug Abuse, SKILLS Foundation, Presbyterian Intercommunity Hospital, Options State Preschool, and Exchange Club Family Support Center.”
Friday, April 24, 2009
19 Year Old Huffing Gasoline Assaults Ex-girlfriend
From WBAL TV News, Westminster, Md;
A 19 year old man has been charged with “attempted first-degree murder, assault, child abuse and arson” after assaulting an ex-girlfriend and setting fire to her apartment earlier this week.
The police report notes the man “tried to set a 5-year-old girl on fire using a hand sanitizer” and then tried to light a woman’s shorts on fire. He then “turned the stove on and tried to blow the place up, and then lighted the trash on fire.” He then tried to stab his ex girlfriend in the stomach and neck and set her 2-month-old baby on fire.
Police found the man nearby, passed out in his car. The police report notes there was “evidence that he had been huffing gasoline.”
A 19 year old man has been charged with “attempted first-degree murder, assault, child abuse and arson” after assaulting an ex-girlfriend and setting fire to her apartment earlier this week.
The police report notes the man “tried to set a 5-year-old girl on fire using a hand sanitizer” and then tried to light a woman’s shorts on fire. He then “turned the stove on and tried to blow the place up, and then lighted the trash on fire.” He then tried to stab his ex girlfriend in the stomach and neck and set her 2-month-old baby on fire.
Police found the man nearby, passed out in his car. The police report notes there was “evidence that he had been huffing gasoline.”
Monday, April 20, 2009
Huffing & puffing case in Lewis County
From WWTI News , Waterfront, NY;
On Saturday, A 37 year old male was charged with possession of Marijuana and Toxic Vapors. Authorities were notified of a “man huffing paint and harassing people on Main Street in the village.” He was found with a can of spray paint, a plastic baggie, and a pile of marijuana.
On Saturday, A 37 year old male was charged with possession of Marijuana and Toxic Vapors. Authorities were notified of a “man huffing paint and harassing people on Main Street in the village.” He was found with a can of spray paint, a plastic baggie, and a pile of marijuana.
Friday, April 17, 2009
Police: Boy, 7, Huffed Inhalants With Dad
From KPTV News, Portland, Oregon;
Last Tuesday, a father was arrested after allegedly allowing his 7-year-old son to inhale nitrous oxide from a balloon. The boy admitted to his mother that “like his father -- he also had taken one to two breaths from balloons filled with nitrous oxide.” Police also found five empty canisters of the product in the father’s apartment.
Last Tuesday, a father was arrested after allegedly allowing his 7-year-old son to inhale nitrous oxide from a balloon. The boy admitted to his mother that “like his father -- he also had taken one to two breaths from balloons filled with nitrous oxide.” Police also found five empty canisters of the product in the father’s apartment.
Singapore Anti-inhalant Abuse Campaign 2008
Partnership for a Drug-Free Singapore recently posted a series of anti-inhalant abuse ads. Please click here to view the four videos:
Friday, April 10, 2009
"Fight for Jarod" gets published
From Daily Standard Stories Celina, Ohio;
Jarod Bright was a 26 year old driven, charismatic, and genuine young man with so much to offer the world but was tragically removed from it by inhalants. Jarod was only a day away from graduating with a degree from ITT Technical institute when his fiance Kim Summers received a call noting his death due to inhalation abuse. "They found him lying on top of the can," Summers says. "He probably didn't know what hit him.".jpg)
Since Jarod's passing 10 months ago, Kim has dedicated countless hours in researching, developing, and enlightening others on the terminal effects of abusing inhalants. Kim’s lost was something so unexpected and even undetectable to the closest loved ones. “More than 2.1 million children and adults in America experiment with some form of an inhalant each year.” Kim encourages open dialogue among parents, loved ones, and children in continuing consumer education through community advocacy.
Jarod Bright was a 26 year old driven, charismatic, and genuine young man with so much to offer the world but was tragically removed from it by inhalants. Jarod was only a day away from graduating with a degree from ITT Technical institute when his fiance Kim Summers received a call noting his death due to inhalation abuse. "They found him lying on top of the can," Summers says. "He probably didn't know what hit him."
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Since Jarod's passing 10 months ago, Kim has dedicated countless hours in researching, developing, and enlightening others on the terminal effects of abusing inhalants. Kim’s lost was something so unexpected and even undetectable to the closest loved ones. “More than 2.1 million children and adults in America experiment with some form of an inhalant each year.” Kim encourages open dialogue among parents, loved ones, and children in continuing consumer education through community advocacy.
"This feels 100 percent right," she explains. "I couldn't save Jarod but maybe I can help someone else down the road." To read the full story please click here.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
ACE's Inhalant Awareness auction opens!
In recognition of National Public Health Week, April 6th -12th, ACE is kicking off its online Inhalant Awareness Auction!
Click here to be directed to ACE's auction page. Please know as you place your bids, you are doing your part in helping ACE reach out to more communities and touch more lives. New items will be added to the auction continuously, so make sure to stay tuned!
This auction was the idea of ACE Board of Trustee Jeff Williams, a Sergeant in the East Cleveland Police Department. In March of 2005, Sgt. Williams lost his son, Kyle, tragically to inhalant abuse. Since then he has dedicated himself to helping spread the word about the
dangers of inhalant abuse and preventing others from suffering the same tragic and senseless loss that he and his family have endured. At an ACE Board meeting, Sgt. Williams shared his idea of conducting an online auction as a fundraising tool and a way to raise awareness of Inhalant Abuse.
As part of the public health community we encourage any contributions, outreach efforts, or community dialogue initiated to increase the visibility of inhalant abuse in the general public. For information on Public Health Week please click here.
Click here to be directed to ACE's auction page. Please know as you place your bids, you are doing your part in helping ACE reach out to more communities and touch more lives. New items will be added to the auction continuously, so make sure to stay tuned!
This auction was the idea of ACE Board of Trustee Jeff Williams, a Sergeant in the East Cleveland Police Department. In March of 2005, Sgt. Williams lost his son, Kyle, tragically to inhalant abuse. Since then he has dedicated himself to helping spread the word about the
dangers of inhalant abuse and preventing others from suffering the same tragic and senseless loss that he and his family have endured. At an ACE Board meeting, Sgt. Williams shared his idea of conducting an online auction as a fundraising tool and a way to raise awareness of Inhalant Abuse.As part of the public health community we encourage any contributions, outreach efforts, or community dialogue initiated to increase the visibility of inhalant abuse in the general public. For information on Public Health Week please click here.
VA Inhalant Abuse Prevention Conference Recap
Despite an economic downturn, many individuals and organizations remain committed to educating the Commonwealth on the dangers of inhalant abuse and the importance of prevention efforts. The Virginia Inhalant Abuse Prevention Conference was held on March 16, 2009 in Williamsburg and was a tremendous success! The day’s activities commenced with a warm welcome from the Historic Triangle Substance Abuse Coalition’s, (HTSAC) Director, Susan Bruno and a brief history of the Virginia Inhalant Abuse Prevention Coalition (VIAPC) was provided by VIAPC’s Executive Director, Sandy Bailey.
William Shelton, Director of Virginia Department of Fire Programs, presented the Inhalant Abuse Prevention Week Proclamation from the Governor. The keynote speaker for the event was Mona Casey who lost her 15 year old son, Charles, to huffing refrigerant. She courageously spoke of the loss of her son and the work she has done to prevent others from similar tragedies by working with legislators, building code groups and manufacturers to require that locking caps are installed to limit access to air conditioner refrigerant.
(l-r: Mona Casey, Evelyn Waring, Sandy Bailey, Jeff Williams, Nadia Williams)
Attendees also had the opportunity to take part in several sessions. Some of the classes offered included: general information on inhalants, medical implications of inhalant abuse, and how to organize prevention efforts in the community. Additional classes offered training for teachers who will implement Virginia’s new curriculum, Inhalant Abuse Prevention. Another class was designed for counselors and substance abuse clinicians who learned about current research on inhalant treatment options. Sergeant Jeff Williams also shared his powerful story about the loss of his son by Sudden Sniffing Death, and how or anyone working with children can recognize the warning signs and symptoms of inhalant abuse.
(Mona Casey & Jeff Williams)
The conference’s 70 participants walked away with a better understanding of the dangers and challenges inhalant abuse presents to individuals, families and communities. For more information on the conference please go to this website: www.htsac.org
William Shelton, Director of Virginia Department of Fire Programs, presented the Inhalant Abuse Prevention Week Proclamation from the Governor. The keynote speaker for the event was Mona Casey who lost her 15 year old son, Charles, to huffing refrigerant. She courageously spoke of the loss of her son and the work she has done to prevent others from similar tragedies by working with legislators, building code groups and manufacturers to require that locking caps are installed to limit access to air conditioner refrigerant.
(l-r: Mona Casey, Evelyn Waring, Sandy Bailey, Jeff Williams, Nadia Williams)
Attendees also had the opportunity to take part in several sessions. Some of the classes offered included: general information on inhalants, medical implications of inhalant abuse, and how to organize prevention efforts in the community. Additional classes offered training for teachers who will implement Virginia’s new curriculum, Inhalant Abuse Prevention. Another class was designed for counselors and substance abuse clinicians who learned about current research on inhalant treatment options. Sergeant Jeff Williams also shared his powerful story about the loss of his son by Sudden Sniffing Death, and how or anyone working with children can recognize the warning signs and symptoms of inhalant abuse.
(Mona Casey & Jeff Williams)
The conference’s 70 participants walked away with a better understanding of the dangers and challenges inhalant abuse presents to individuals, families and communities. For more information on the conference please go to this website: www.htsac.org
Monday, April 6, 2009
New Substance Abuse Messaging Data from NSDUH
The National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) recently released “Exposure to Substance Use Prevention Messages and Substance Use among Adolescents: 2002 to 2007.”
Some interesting findings within the report:
- From 2002-2007 less adolescents reported exposure to drug or alcohol use prevention message through media (5.3%) and programs outside of school (1.4%)
- During the same period, 1.5% more adolescents report that they talked with their parents about the dangers of drug, alcohol, or tobacco use within the past year.
- However, in 2007, fewer adolescents report talking with their parents about these dangers than in 2004, 2005, and 2006.
- Talking with a parent about substance use decreased with age (ie more 12 & 13 year olds report talking with their parents about this than 16 &17 year olds) but conversely, the older the adolescent, the more likely to receive prevention messages through media.
- In general, adolescents who reported having been exposed to substance abuse messages within the past year were less likely to use cigarettes, alcohol, and illicit drugs in the past month.
- From 2002-2007, females were more than males to have talked with a parent about the dangers of substance abuse, to have received prevention messages through media sources, and to have received prevention messages through school sources in the past year.
Man Crashes Car After Huffing
From Vero Beach Press Journal in Florida:
Last Thursday, a 24 year-old man was taken into custody on suspicion of huffing electronics cleaner and “crashing a stolen car in the parking lot of a fast-food restaurant.”
He was “charged with grand theft auto, disorderly conduct, driving while his license was suspended, tampering with evidence and violation of probation.”
A woman accused him of entering her home early in the am and stealing the keys to her car, which was found wrecked in the bushes of a nearby Kentucky Fried Chicken. The man was found inside the car but denied having driven it. A can of electronics cleaner was found at the scene.
Last Thursday, a 24 year-old man was taken into custody on suspicion of huffing electronics cleaner and “crashing a stolen car in the parking lot of a fast-food restaurant.”
He was “charged with grand theft auto, disorderly conduct, driving while his license was suspended, tampering with evidence and violation of probation.”
A woman accused him of entering her home early in the am and stealing the keys to her car, which was found wrecked in the bushes of a nearby Kentucky Fried Chicken. The man was found inside the car but denied having driven it. A can of electronics cleaner was found at the scene.
Friday, April 3, 2009
3 Hollywood Students Hospitalized
From KABC News Los Angeles, California:
Early Friday morning, 3 North Hollywood teens were hospitalized for abusing air freshener.
Madison county middle schools have recognized the “Silent Epidemic” as an ongoing issue among today’s youths. LAUSD Impact Advisor, Antonio Roque, notes the importance of communication among parents and children can help minimize the number of occurrences each year.
Please Click Here to View the Video.
Early Friday morning, 3 North Hollywood teens were hospitalized for abusing air freshener.
Madison county middle schools have recognized the “Silent Epidemic” as an ongoing issue among today’s youths. LAUSD Impact Advisor, Antonio Roque, notes the importance of communication among parents and children can help minimize the number of occurrences each year.
Please Click Here to View the Video.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Five Female Teens Caught Huffing
From LAFD News & Information in Los Angeles, California:
Battalion County School officials and local police caught five teenage girls huffing an unknown substance on Wednesday. The teens experienced impairments in their judgment, sense of reality, and overall ability to process information sufficiently.
The Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) notes the importance of communication and education surrounding youths in light of the recent number of duster deaths. LAFD encourages parents to take a more active role in the programs presently in place within local school districts to assist in educating others on the impact this issue has on consumer education.
According to the Partnership for Drug Free America “inhalant abuse has increased by 44 percent in over the last year within middle schools alone”.
Battalion County School officials and local police caught five teenage girls huffing an unknown substance on Wednesday. The teens experienced impairments in their judgment, sense of reality, and overall ability to process information sufficiently.
The Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) notes the importance of communication and education surrounding youths in light of the recent number of duster deaths. LAFD encourages parents to take a more active role in the programs presently in place within local school districts to assist in educating others on the impact this issue has on consumer education.
According to the Partnership for Drug Free America “inhalant abuse has increased by 44 percent in over the last year within middle schools alone”.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Driver Huffs and then Crashes into Mom and Baby
From the Billings Gazette in Montana:
Last November a 16 year-old male driver “lost control of his car and struck a woman and toddler on a sidewalk.” He had told the judge he had been text messaging when the accident occurred.
Later it was revealed that he “may have blacked out while huffing” computer dusting spray. The Deputy County Attorney noted he “may also have been trying to send a text message immediately before the accident, but phone records did not show any activity on the phone at the time.”
The driver explained that he had been huffing in the car with a friend. He dropped his friend off at home and “wanted to have one more hit.” The next thing he knew he had struck a woman and her 15-month-old son.
The child “suffered a broken leg and concussion and was in intensive care for 3 days.” The mom “suffered a fractured hand and concussion.”
The driver was sentenced to a youth detention facility until he turns 18. He was also ordered to pay a total of $3,350 in restitution, attend a treatment program and write a letter of apology to the victim.”
Last November a 16 year-old male driver “lost control of his car and struck a woman and toddler on a sidewalk.” He had told the judge he had been text messaging when the accident occurred.
Later it was revealed that he “may have blacked out while huffing” computer dusting spray. The Deputy County Attorney noted he “may also have been trying to send a text message immediately before the accident, but phone records did not show any activity on the phone at the time.”
The driver explained that he had been huffing in the car with a friend. He dropped his friend off at home and “wanted to have one more hit.” The next thing he knew he had struck a woman and her 15-month-old son.
The child “suffered a broken leg and concussion and was in intensive care for 3 days.” The mom “suffered a fractured hand and concussion.”
The driver was sentenced to a youth detention facility until he turns 18. He was also ordered to pay a total of $3,350 in restitution, attend a treatment program and write a letter of apology to the victim.”
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