Substance abuse prevention

News & Alerts!

ARE ENERGY DRINKS DANGEROUS?

What are energy drinks? No doubt, you may have heard of Red Bull, Rage, Rock Star, Full Throttle, Pimp Juice, Cocaine or Blow. These are just some of the caffeine-laden energy drinks that are being marketed to our youth.
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Chariho Tri-Town
Task Force Awarded a $500,000 Federal Grant

The Chariho Tri-Town Task Force on Substance Abuse Prevention was awarded a Federal Drug Free Community Grant.
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"TopTips for Monitoring
YourTeen's Use of
Digital Technologies"

Parents: The Anit-Drug Web Site's new article TopTips For Monitoring Your Teen's Use of Digital Technologies describes the potential for a world of temptation and misinformation on topics such as drugs, sex, and other risky behaviors.
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What are Inhalants?

Volatile substances producing chemical vapors that can be inhaled through the nose or mouth... Learn more...

The NSDUH Report

"Seasonality of Youth's
First-Time Use of Marijuana, Cigarettes, or Alcohol"
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What are Inhalants?

Inhalants are volatile substances that produce chemical vapors that can be inhaled through the nose or mouth to induce a psychoactive, or mind-altering, effect. Although other abused substances can be inhaled, the term "inhalants" is used to describe a variety of substances whose main characteristic is that they are rarely, if ever, taken by any route other than inhalation. Hundreds of everyday household products are being used by kids to get a quick high.

Statistics

  • Use of inhalants increased significantly in 2004 among eighth graders. Nearly one-in-five have used an inhalant.
  • According to the 2004 Monitoring the Future Study, the proportion of young people who believe it is dangerous to use inhalants has declined among eight and 10th graders over the past thee years.
  • Inhalants are the third most abused substance among 14 to 15 year olds. (National Survey on Drug Use and Health)

Effects of Inhalants

Inhalant use can cause a number of health problems, including suffocation and even death.

  • Short-term: heart palpitations, breathing difficulty, dizziness, headaches and possibly death.
  • Long-term: damage to the brain, nerve cells, heart, lungs, liver, kidney, and possibly death.

Physical Signs of Inhalant Use

  • Unusual breath odor or chemical odor on clothing
  • Spots and/or sores around the mouth
  • Nausea and/or loss of appetite
  • Slurred or disoriented speech
  • Drunk, dazed or dizzy appearance
  • Red or runny eyes or nose

Why do Young People Use Inhalants Instead of Other Drugs?

The products are widely available, inexpensive, easy to conceal and legal. Most users do not realize how dangerous inhalants can be. Many young people start because they don't think these substances can hurt them. Once hooked, they find it a tough habit to break.

Who is at Risk for Using Inhalants?

Inhalants are second only to marijuana in terms of adolescent drug use, and all kids are at risk. Youth drug use cuts across all geographic, socio-economic, racial and ethnic boundaries.

For More Information

For more information on inhalant abuse, contact the Rhode Island Inhalant Abuse Coalition Coordinator, Ray D. Davis, BS, CPSS, at rdavisprevention@cox.net

 

"Inhalants are the third most abused substance among 14 to 15 year olds."
- National Survey on Drug Use and Health