"Understanding Adolescent Inhalant Use" A Key Takeaways

A new SAMHSA study “Understanding Adolescent Inhalant Use” by Rachel N. Lipari, Ph.D. discusses current trends in inhalant abuse. This report explores inhalant abuse trends among adolescents between the ages of 12-17 collected from The National Survey of Drug Use and Health (NSDUH). Of the 1.8 million people who reported abusing inhalants in the past year to get high, 684,000 were adolescents between the ages of 12-17 with use decreasing in age. The entire report can be found here. Key findings include:

·       Felt-tip pens/markers or magic markers were the top reported type of inhalant used to get high 6.7% with glue, shoe polish, or toluene coming in second and spray paints in third.

·       Female adolescents reported higher usage of inhalants compared to male adolescents (3.2% vs. 2.3%)

·       Adolescents of all races/ethnicities, across the United States are vulnerable to inhalant abuse

·       There were no statistically significant differences in the percentage of inhalant abuse depending on geographical location

Although only 684,000 adolescents reported using inhalants to get high, this report highlights the continued need to educate parents, teachers, and teens about the risks of inhalant abuse. To learn more visit: www.inhalant.org

One in Six Teens Use Inhalants: New Inhalant Data from Partnership for Drug-Free Kids

The results of the 2013 Partnership Attitude Tracking Study have been released and show that one in six  (16%) teens have used an inhalant at least once in their lifetime.

New National Inhalant Data from the CDC: Inhalant Abuse Declines Significantly From 1995 - 2013

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have released the findings of its Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System 2013 Report . Specific findings can be found here.

• Nationwide, 8.9% of students have used an inhalant to get high during their lifetime.
• More female students report having used an inhalant (10.0%) than male students (7.9%)
• Prevalence for  having used an inhalant was higher among Hispanic (11.7%) than white (8.6%) and black (6.8%) students.
• Prevalence for  having used an inhalant was higher among 9th-grade (10.1%) and 11th-grade (9.9%) than 12th-grade (7.6%) students.

Some good news in the findings:   

• "During 1995 - 2013, a significant linear decrease occurred overall in the prevalence of having ever used inhalants (20.3% - 8.9%)."

• "The prevalence of having ever used inhalants decreased from 2011 (11.4%) to 2013 (8.9%)" 

 Further data follows below in three charts:

Frightening New Inhalant Data from SAMHSA: 17,868 Young Adults Use Inhalants Each Day

Starting new inhalant data from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) shows that on an average day 17,868 young adults use an inhalant.  The report also reveals that each day 566 young adults use inhalants for the very first time.

Via SAMHSA administrator Pamela S. Hyde:"This data shows how prevalent substance abuse is in the lives of many young adults. Far too many young adults allow substance abuse to jeopardize their health, well-being and futures.  We must all do more to ensure that effective prevention and treatment programs are available to help young adults make the right choices.

The full SAMHSA Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality (CBHSQ) report can be accessed here.

Inhalant Abuse on the Increase in Wisconsin

Via WISN in Wisconsin:

After virtually disappearing for 10 years, inhalant abuse is on the increase in the village of Mukonago. Since March the community has seen three incidents of people huffing while driving. Two of the incidents resulted in a crash. In December 2013 the state included inhaled intoxicants in the definition of driving under the influence, making it easier for police to enforce laws against it.

Inhalant Abuse on the Increase in Jamaica

Via The Gleaner in Jamaica:

The results of the 2013 National Secondary School Survey were released and show that “inhalant abuse has gone up significantly.” The role of the parent was also discussed and is determined to be a “critical component for fighting this problem.”

Inhalant Abuse Increase in Maine

Via the Sun Journal in Maine:

The results of the 2013 youth health survey were recently released and the survey revealed an alarming increase in inhalant abuse.  The district Health Coordinator noted “a major concern is sniffing inhalants.”