Inhalants seem to move in and out of popularity among young people. Although the most popular age group for “huffing” is middle schoolers, we’re seeing an increase in use of air conditioner Freon by older teens and adults as well.

There are lots of reasons that kids don’t believe there is any harm in inhalants.

1- They are easily available in homes and schools, they must be safe, Right?

2- They see others sniff markers or glue and they don’t see any harm come to the friends.

3- Many have seen kids and adults play with and inhale helium to change their voices. It’s just like that isn’t it?

It’s important for adults to talk to kids to let them know that inhalants are dangerous. The National Inhalant Prevention Coalition estimates between 100 and 125 deaths per year come from inhalant use. But there’s more. Kids who use inhalants can develop a dependence on them and can lose focus as they seek out their next high. Chronic inhalant abuse can damage the brain, heart, lungs, kidney, liver, and peripheral nerves.

Inhalant use can also introduce younger children to the concept of getting high, and since there is a pleasure component to it, they sometimes begin to pursue other highs as well.

It’s important not to leave these discussions to someone else. Schools should be talking to students, but most importantly these conversations need to be happening at home. Kids whose parents give clear and unambiguous messages about risky behavior are much less likely to experiment with substances.

Find a chance to talk to the young people in your life. Let them know that you want the best for them and that you want them to choose healthy ways to have fun.

For more information about inhalants, check out these to websites.

National Inhalant Prevention Coalition

Drugfree.org

Gunston MS Counseling Resources 

Principle #1: Tune Into Your Teen
Principle #2: Guide Your Teen
Principle #3: Respect Your Teen
Principle #4: Be A Good Role Model

Check out Navigating the Teen Years: A Parent’s Handbook for Raising Healthy Teens to get great ideas about how to stay connected with and respected by your teenager following these principles. Look for the ‘Quick Self Checks’ and a ‘Busy Parent’s Checklist.’

You can even download it to your smartphone or iPad to take along with you.

National Take Back Initiative Collection(s) Site Search

Saturday, October 29, 2011

Find a collection site near you.

Why should you do this?

• - You lose track of what you have, anyone can find it and misuse it.
• - Drugs in the sewer system can have adverse impact on fish and wildlife, and contribute to problems in our waterways.
• - Accidental Rx drug deaths kill more people than all other illicit drugs combined.
• - Many young people believe that if it is prescription, it is safe. Experimenters may take unknown risks when they come across something.
• - You resist the temptation to share prescriptions!

You learn that you child has been experimenting with alcohol or marijuana. You want to believe that it’s just simple experimentation, a phase. But what if it’s not? There is a wonderful, confidential Parent Helpline available through Drugfree.org. Call 1-855-DRUGFREE (1-855-378-4373), visit Time to Act or read the Intervention eBook to answer questions including

• What is a drug or alcohol intervention?
• How do I know for sure if my teen is using?
• How should I prepare for a talk with my child?
• How do I make sure the talk is productive?
• What if my child needs outside help?

It’s an easy call. Make it and get your questions answered. No judgments. It’s just for you and your family. Go ahead and call or click.

Talking to teens sometimes feels as if you need a special language, or a special touch. Here are some tips that might help conversations go more smoothly:

1  – Try to talk side-by-side, not face-to-face. Walk the dog or talk on the way to practice. Washing dishes or a trip to Starbucks are good places to start.

2  –  Make sure that conversations have a specific end point.  Discussions that can last forever sometimes intimidate kids and often close down the conversation.  A walk that is going to be finished when you get back to the house, or lights off when the kitchen is clean, is a definite end point.

3 —  Avoid asking direct questions about your teen.  The word “you” seems to put people on the defensive.  Asking about kids at school or sometimes about friends will often illicit the answers you want.

4 –  Take advantage of late nights.  Low lights and darkness outside help develop a closeness and sense of safety.

5 — Not every conversation has to have a point. Just talking about stuff is how kids connect to one another.  Hanging out is how they build intimacy with friends and family.  These conversations can have the most profound outcomes.

6 — Expect that sometimes the conversation is one-way. Also known to teens as a lecture, in this case, you often have had a chance to think about what you want to say.  Your kids aren’t always ready.  Make your comments short and sweet.  They’ll often follow up later.

7 — Any time is a good time to LISTEN.  When they are ready, you need to be, too.  If you need to put down what you are doing or get away from the computer, do that.  If you need to stay up past your bedtime, expect that.  Kids are going to need to get things off their chest at the most unpredictable times.

Remember this is a process, not necessarily a one shot deal.

• “Have you heard anything about Beach Week? There are a ton of stories out there. What things are the kids saying about this?”

• Repeat as needed.

Middle and High School students want to party. In fact, many times when we ask them why they drink they report that there is nothing else to do, or they want to relax. Teen parties can be fun for teens, and still meet your considerations about being safe and sober.

Remember none of this guarantees that nothing illegal will be happening during the party.  But, it goes a long way toward acting responsibly and encouraging your children to do the same.

Lots of our work is about stopping high risk behavior. But the data are encouraging. Most teens in Arlington, and the country, don’t drink, or smoke marijuana, or engage in sexual activity. They don’t engage in really risky behavior. And when we assume that they do, they sometimes feel like they might as well. We want to cherish the good stuff, and remember to look for it. Check out this nice article from the Washington Post about staying connected to the teens you care about.