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Sniffing out inhalant abuse

This form of substance abuse is widespread, but continues to fall below the radar screen of most parents and many physicians.

Editorial. April 26, 2004.

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Experts always say inhalant abuse seems to stand in the shadow of other drug problems. It's not that the abuse -- often called sniffing or huffing -- doesn't happen. It's that there is less awareness both about how common it is among young people and about the related dangers.

That's why the AMA long has supported education among medical professionals and the public regarding this form of substance abuse. Late last month, the National Inhalant Prevention Coalition marked its annual week-long effort to focus attention on this problem. The group's warning message in terms of use, abuse and dangers is certainly worth remembering.

First of all, statistics show that inhalant use and abuse is happening -- a lot. In 2002, more than 22.8 million Americans, 2.6 million of whom were between the ages of 12 and 17, reported that they had used an inhalant at least once in their lives, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Survey on Drug Use and Health.

Still, according to a 2002 Parent Attitude Survey conducted by the Partnership for a Drug-Free America, the problem is not on the radar screen. Of those responding, 18% of teens reported having tried inhalants but only 1% of their parents believed that their child might have done so. Also, parents who said they had discussed drugs with their children were less likely to discuss inhalants than marijuana, heroin, crack or cocaine.

This knowledge gap is a real sign of trouble.

A key reason why is accessibility. Countless household items, from glue and nail polish to gasoline and air fresheners, easily can become deadly, addictive substances.