A study by the federal government published its report this week about the use of household inhalants by teenagers to get high. Although inhalants used to be a more commonly used drug, the numbers are dropping off, according to the study's authors. The drugs' popularity was due in part to the easy availability of household chemicals and the perception, even by some parents, that their usage is not particularly dangerous.
Inhalants are the number three choice among first-time drug teenaged drug users, according to the study's findings. The authors believe the overall usage rates have dropped due to campaigns aimed at educating teens about the harms of inhalant use, as well as similar efforts to target and educate parents. Still, about one million children between the ages of 12 and 17 abused inhalants during 2007, or about 3.9 percent of teenagers in that age range. In 2006, the rate was 4.4 percent. In 2007, only about 0.4 percent of teens could be classified as dependent upon inhalants.
Inhalants are readily available in most homes for inquiring teenagers to abuse, if they so desire. One study shows that children in the eighth grade are more likely to have used inhalants than any other kind of drug. The drugs are breathed in, causing a brief "high" that lasts only a few minutes in most cases. Commonly abused household inhalants include gasoline, nitrous oxide (from whipped cream, for instance), butane from lighters, spray paint, glues, and paint thinner. Older teens and adults typically prefer nitrates such as nitrous oxide, often known as "whippets." Younger teenagers are more likely to use substances such as gasoline or lighter fluid to get high. Unfortunately, inhalants can cause serious health problems and even death, usually from suffocation. The negative health effects are a vital part of the discussion when educating youth about the risks associated with drug abuse.
The Tampa criminal lawyers at Musca Law handle all types of juvenile offenses, including drug charges. If your child has been charged with a crime in the state of Florida, contact our office.
Inhalants are the number three choice among first-time drug teenaged drug users, according to the study's findings. The authors believe the overall usage rates have dropped due to campaigns aimed at educating teens about the harms of inhalant use, as well as similar efforts to target and educate parents. Still, about one million children between the ages of 12 and 17 abused inhalants during 2007, or about 3.9 percent of teenagers in that age range. In 2006, the rate was 4.4 percent. In 2007, only about 0.4 percent of teens could be classified as dependent upon inhalants.
Inhalants are readily available in most homes for inquiring teenagers to abuse, if they so desire. One study shows that children in the eighth grade are more likely to have used inhalants than any other kind of drug. The drugs are breathed in, causing a brief "high" that lasts only a few minutes in most cases. Commonly abused household inhalants include gasoline, nitrous oxide (from whipped cream, for instance), butane from lighters, spray paint, glues, and paint thinner. Older teens and adults typically prefer nitrates such as nitrous oxide, often known as "whippets." Younger teenagers are more likely to use substances such as gasoline or lighter fluid to get high. Unfortunately, inhalants can cause serious health problems and even death, usually from suffocation. The negative health effects are a vital part of the discussion when educating youth about the risks associated with drug abuse.
The Tampa criminal lawyers at Musca Law handle all types of juvenile offenses, including drug charges. If your child has been charged with a crime in the state of Florida, contact our office.
