Transcript Inhalants: Nothing to Sniff At Har-Bur Middle School Overview Statistics & facts Products & ways to abuse The high, health effects & treatment considerations Inhalants vs.

Inhalants:
Nothing to Sniff At
Har-Bur Middle School
1
Overview
Statistics & facts
Products & ways to abuse
The high, health effects & treatment
considerations
Inhalants vs. other drugs of abuse
About the CT Inhalant Task Force
Inhalant prevention messages, resources,
strategies
2
What have you heard
about inhalant abuse?
3
What is Inhalant Abuse?
Definition
“The deliberate inhalation of
fumes, gases or vapors for the
purpose of intoxication.”
4
Nearly
22.3 million Americans
have used inhalants
at least once in their lives
Source: 2008 Monitoring the Future Study, National Institute of Drug Abuse
5
In 2005,
1 out of 5 teens
have tried an
inhalant.
Source, “Teens and Inhalant Abuse.”
Teens 2005 Partnership Attitude Tracking Study (PATS)
Partnership for a Drug Free America. April 2006
* = Students surveyed in grades 7 through 12.
6
12 Year Olds
Are More Likely to Use
Inhalants Than
Cigarettes or Marijuana
Source: Lifetime Inhalant Rate, 2006-2008 National Surveys
on Drug Use and Health, SAMHSA
7
Of the persons who die
from inhalant abuse, over
one-third die
the first time
they ‘sniff’.
St. George’s, Division of Community Health Sciences, University of London, 2005
“Trends in Death Associated with Abuse of Volatile Substances”
M.E. Field-Smith, B.K. Butland, J.D. Ramsey, and H.R. Anderson, Report 20, July 2007
8
Common Ways to Abuse Inhalants
 Aerosol inhalation = directly spraying into mouth
or nose
 Sniffing or snorting = Inhaling directly from
product’s container
Examples: paint can, cologne bottle
 Huffing = Inhaling from a saturated substance
Examples: nasal mask, handkerchief,
scarf, shirt cuff, fingernails
 Bagging = Inhaling from a secondary
container/device
Examples: a balloon, a soda can, a plastic or paper
bag (placed over the head)
9
Examples of Abusable Products
10
All legal substances
• Have widespread legitimate uses for which
they are legal.
– Illegal to use as a drug in some states.
• Legal manufacturing and distribution system
• Use of these products in many and varied
environments
• Over 1,400 products
can
be abused
11
Examples of Abusable Products
Gases
Butane
cigarette lighters
lighter fluid
Computer Duster
Flat Tire Repair/Inflator
Freon from air
conditioners
Halon from fire
extinguishers
Nitrous oxide
balloons & tanks
“whippets” (minitanks)
whipped cream
cans
Propane
barbeque grills
portable torches
Refrigerant
Solvents
Correction Fluid &
Thinner
Markers
permanent
dry erase
Contact & Rubber
Cement
Model Glue
Dry Cleaning Fluids
Gasoline
Charcoal Starter Fluid
Degreasers
Carburetor Cleaner
Car Starter Fluid
Nail Polish Remover
Paint
Paint or Lacquer
Thinners
mineral spirits
Paint Removers &
Strippers
Sterno
Aerosols
Hair spray
Air freshener
Deodorant
Cleaners
Fabric Protectors
Lubricants
Paints, especially
metallic
Adhesives
Cooking sprays
Nitrites
Amyl nitrite
Butyl nitrite
Cyclohexyl nitrite
12
Common Terms
Bagging
Chroming
Whippets
Heart-on
Amys
Boppers
Rush
Poppers
Oz
Huff
Thrust
Whiteout
Glading
Huffing
Bolt
13
What Are Not Inhalants
• Smoking marijuana, tobacco, crack, opium, etc.
• Snorting cocaine, heroin
• Strong smelling vapors
- ammonia cleaner, bleach,
- fruit flavored magic markers and water-based glues
• Inert gases
- helium (note: deaths have been recorded due to
embolisms and ruptured lungs caused by pressurized
tanks.)
14
Signs & Symptoms of Inhalant Abuse
It is often hard to detect youth that are under
the influence of inhalants, but here are some
things to watch for:
 Chemical odors on clothes or breath
 Paint stains on face & hands
 Empty inhalant containers; such as: lighters, aerosol
spray cans, whipped cream cans, computer keyboard
cleaners, etc.
 Oil or paint stains on backpacks
 Red spots around nose or mouth
 Frequent nosebleeds
 Scarves or rags with chemical odors
 Supplies of air filter masks
 Missing or ‘always empty’ household sprays or school
supplies
15
Current Facts
• Most youth who try
inhalants try before
age 13
• Younger = higher %
of females, Older =
higher % of males
• Sustained use more
common w/ males
• Most students are
unaware of risks
• Death can occur on
the first use
• There are few laws
that restrict sales to
minors
• Over 29% of 8th
graders have tried
inhalants at least
once
16
In 2008,
inhalants
were the most frequently reported
illicit drug used
in the past year among
12 year olds.
Three times
higher than marijuana.
Percentages of Past Year Illicit Drug Use Among Adolescents Aged 12-14: 2002-2006,
National Survey on Drug Use & Health, March 2008, Inhalant Use Across the Adolescent
17
Years
Percentages of Past Year Illicit Drug Users
Aged 12-17: 2002-2006, By Age Group
Inhalant users
ages 12 and 13,
45.5 % !
That is almost
1 of every 2.
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Clips from A&E’s Intervention
19
What is the High Like?
 Central nervous system depressant, like alcohol
 Seems more euphoric or intense than alcohol
 Rapid onset, usually running it’s course in 15-35
minutes.
Range is a few seconds to hours for some gases
 Sensations of floating, spinning, and numbness
 Hallucinations are common, visual more than
auditory
 Loss of inhibitions
User often risks daring feats involving violence,
extreme risks, property destruction, and other behaviors
indicating a loss of judgment
20
What Teens Like About Inhalants
 Users like the trippy feeling of the high
 Inhalant abuse is easy to hide, doesn't arouse
suspicions
 Products can be legally obtained
 Product’s are readily available; free or
inexpensive
 High takes effect quickly, and is over quickly
 Users perceive that they have
control over the high
Source: MA Inhalant Focus Group Project , 1994
21
Examples of Physiologic Effects
 Physical addiction
 Salt/electrolyte
imbalances
 Damage to the liver,
kidney and bone
marrow (sometimes
reversible)
 Severe headaches
 Breathing problems
 Weight loss
 Nausea
22
Examples of Neural Effects
 Seizures and tremors
 Brain damage: diffuse cerebral,
cerebellar and brainstem atrophy
 Nystagmus: the rapid, involuntary oscillation of
the eyeballs
 Deterioration of the myelin sheath
 Loss or dulling of the senses, including:
vision problems, loss of hearing, sense of smell
 Slowed and slurred speech
 Muscle coordination impairment, unsteadiness
of gait
23
Brain Damage In A Toluene User
Brain images show marked atrophy (shrinkage) of brain tissue in a toluene
abuser, picture B, as compared to a non-abusing individual, picture A.
Note the smaller size and the larger, empty (dark) space within the toluene
abuser’s brain.
Source, National Institute on Drug Abuse, courtesy of Neil Rosenberg, M.D.
24
How Inhalants Cause Death
Estimated Yearly US Deaths: 1,000
 Respiratory Failure
 Central nervous system depressant
 Asphyxia
 Suffocation
 Vomit
 Coats lungs with solids from aerosol cans
 Reckless Behavior
 Accidents
 Fires
 Explosions
 Sudden Sniffing Death Syndrome (SSDS)
 Heart arrhythmia + scared (adrenaline)
25
Sudden Sniffing Death
Can cause an unshockable,
irreversible rhythm that is
fatal:
• CNS depression
• Decreased respiration
• Irregular heartbeat
• Increased excitement
• Adrenaline release
• Heart muscle sensitivity
26
What to Do When Someone is
Abusing Inhalants
•
•
•
•
•
•
Remain calm and do not panic
Do not excite the person or argue
Call for medical help
Stay in a well-ventilated area
Check the area for clues to what was used
After the episode seek professional help for
the abuser
27
Video
Interview with Officer Jeff Williams
28
Treatment: Assessment & Referral
Overview
Different treatment modality
Not often picked up in assessments
Often younger and sometimes too young
for the traditional drug treatment centers
No treatment providers specifically provide
treatment services for inhalant abuse
Does your intake assessment include
specific questions about inhalant use?
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How it affects the family
 Affects the family at a time when you don’t think of
dealing with such a problem, they are so young - use
typically peaks in 8th grade
 Huffing is often covert and well-masked – this leads to
delayed realization of problem by adults and prolonged
exposure to inhalants
 Lowest of the low in terms of substances that are abused
- Use often carries a stigma, even among substance
users – family may also feel stigmatized and be reluctant
to seek help
 Dealing with a problem that they may have never heard
of before, or have very limited knowledge of. Lack of
accurate info may lead to lack of action
30
Inhalants vs. other substances of abuse
Similarity: inhalants are used to get high (e.g.,
the movie, “13”), most often by adolescents
Differences:
Inhalants are toxins – a single use can be deadly or
cause severe neurological damage
Are readily available, legal household products, safe
when used as directed
Use often carries a stigma, even among substance
users
Use typically peaks in 8th grade (vs. often increasing
throughout high school for alcohol and marijuana)
31
Implications
Interdiction is extremely difficult
Inhalant abuse tends to be hidden, especially from
adults
Most adults (and many youth) are not well-informed
about inhalant abuse, its signs, and best practices
for prevention
Prevention messages need to be crafted differently
for adults and youth
Simply informing parents and adults who work with
kids can have a powerful preventive effect
32
About the CT Inhalant Task Force
Contact information:
www.mawsac.org/CITF/
[email protected]
203-294-3591
For more info on the
experience of task force
members:
www.inhalantprevention.org
33
Inhalant Prevention Messages,
Resources, Strategies
Why Talk to Adults & Children
About Inhalants?
34
Parent Perception of Children’s
Inhalant Abuse
Teens: I have sniffed or
huffed things like glue,
gas or sprays to get high
20%
Parents: My teen has
sniffed or huffed things
like glue, gas, or sprays
to get high.
5%
0%
5%
10%
15%
20%
Source: Partnership Attitude Tracking Study (PATS), Teens & Inhalant Abuse, 2005,
Partnership for a Drug-Free America
25%
35
Key Messages for Children
Inhalants are poisons, toxins, pollutants, and
fire hazards.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Products are designed for a specific purpose
Follow directions on the label
Dangerous when used in unintended ways
They contain poisons, toxic chemicals and gases
They pollute
They were never intended to go inside your body
They are a fire and explosion danger
They are created from petroleum, that is, “crude oil”
New approaches for prevention education!
36
Messages to Avoid
Avoid creating a “how to” primer
for experimenters and substance abusers.
 Avoid discussing...
1.
Inhalants as a drug
(Unless you are targeting a group where there are
primarily inhalant abusers or children
knowledgeable about inhalants)
2.
3.
Euphoric effects--Avoid talking about the “high”
What products can be abused
4.
How to abuse these products & paraphernalia
New approaches for prevention education!
37
Tips for Talking with Kids
Ages 6 - 11
• Talk about poisons
• Read labels together
and their effects
with an adult
• Talk about oxygen • Model behavior –
• Discuss the purpose use proper
ventilation
of household
chemicals and
• Educate children
products
about the dangers
38
Tips for Talking with Kids
Ages 12 - 18
• Ask pre-teens & teens
•
•
•
what they know
Reinforce peer
resistance skills
Encourage teens to
talk with a trusted
adult
Be clear about the
dangers
• Encourage parents to
•
•
monitor their teen’s
activities – keep their
eyes open
Educate teens about
the dangers
Emphasize that their
safety is your concern
39
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Key Messages for Adults
 More than 1,000 everyday products, including cleaning,
office, and art supplies, solvents, gases, and shop
chemicals have the potential to be abused as inhalants.
 Inhalants are actually poisons, pollutants, toxins, and fire
hazards. They are made of crude oil and were never
meant to be inhaled.
 These products are safe when used as directed, but
when vapors are concentrated and breathed in, they can
become dangerous and deadly.
 There is no safe level of inhalant use. 33% of deaths are
the result of first time use (UK data). Therefore, no use
should be tolerated and any use should be followed up
by a professional alcohol and drug assessment and
education about the dangers of inhalant abuse.
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Key Messages for Adults
 Inhalants can be addictive, both psychologically and
physically. There are roughly as many inhalant abusers
and addicts as heroin abusers and addicts in this
country.
 Inhalants can cause permanent damage to the nervous
system, lungs, liver, and kidneys.
 More children are using inhalants than adults think – and
at earlier ages. Nationally, nearly one out of four 6th and
8th graders has intentionally inhaled to get high (PDFA, 2003).
 Because of all these reasons, inhalant abuse should be
on your RADAR. Be alert for the signs of inhalant abuse:
suspicious use of products, chemical odors, rash around
the mouth and nose, weight loss, paraphernalia (plastic
bags, empty containers, and smelly rags).
42
Resources
Resources are videos, pamphlets,
curricula, etc., that contain messages
Janet L. Hayes
Event Planner/Resource Specialist
Connecticut Clearinghouse
a program of Wheeler Clinic, Inc.
334 Farmington Avenue
Plainville, CT 06062
800-232-4424 or 860-793-9791
[email protected]
43
Images
44
Add pix here of display board
45
Add other pix here
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Resources
 Inhalant Prevention Resource Guide, Virginia
Dept. of Education
http://www.doe.virginia.gov/VDOE/Instructio
n/Inhalantbook.pdf
 CT online interactive parent training
www.inhalantabusetraining.org
 Alliance for Consumer Education
Inhalant Abuse Prevention Kit (for adults)
 CT Poison Control Center
“Product Safety: Be Safe Around Poisons” lesson
plan paired with “Danger! Toxic Chemicals” video
48
Resources
 National Inhalant Prevention Coalition
www.inhalants.org
 New England Inhalant Prevention Coalition
www.inhalantprevention.org
 CT Inhalant Task Force
www.mawsac.org/CITF/
 CT Poison Control Center
 poisoncontrol.uchc.edu
 CT Clearinghouse
www.ctclearinghouse.org
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Strategies
Messages
Target
Resources
Strategies
Strategies are systems of using resources
to deliver messages to targeted audiences.
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What Communities Can Do:
 Because inhalants are everywhere, everyone needs
to be informed and contribute: school health office,
administrators, SRO, D.A.R.E. officers, parents,
teachers/coaches, doctors, dentists, retail workers,
social workers, criminal justice professionals, and
other youth-serving professionals
Become aware.
Help inform others. Educate about the indicators
and dangers of inhalant abuse. Talk to other
parents about the dangers of inhalants. Ask
pediatricians & clergy if they know about inhalants.
Schedule an inhalant presentation at your clubs,
organizations or employee groups.
Is inhalant abuse on your RADAR???
51
What Communities Can Do:
Educate office managers, purchasing
personnel, retailers and parents about
buying less toxic products.
Are facilities reducing access to inhalants?
Purchase non-aerosol products or water-based
products (markers, white-out)
Supervise use of solvent based products
Use low-odor markers for whiteboards
Coordinate with purchasing personnel about
buying solvent-free and non-aerosol products
52
What Communities Can Do:
Incorporate inhalants into existing
curriculum in schools and other venues.
For preschoolers & young children, stress that
inhalants are dangerous poisons.
For school children, address inhalant’s
poisonous effect on the environment in earth
studies or science class, and on the body in
basic biology or health class.
Look for teachable moments
Look for topics with natural connections to
inhalants
53
What parents & teachers can do:
 Make sure kids are getting the message about
the dangers of inhalant abuse
 Check out your school’s policies on substance
abuse and make sure inhalants are incorporated
 If you are suspicious about a child’s behavior, be
sure to follow up
 Don’t tolerate any experimentation
 Contact the CT Inhalant Task Force
for
ideas, help, resources
54
What parents can do:
 Follow the instructions on product labels regarding
ventilation. Have your child read the instructions to
you, then follow them. Remember… they do what you
do. Your example will reinforce the message that
these products are poisonous.
 In the garage: keep your paints, pesticides, lighter
fluid, propane tanks, WD 40 , etc. in a well locked
cabinet & keep the key in a secure place.
 In the kitchen & bathroom: switch to solid, pump-spray
or non-aerosol air fresheners and cleaners.
 Be aware when products run out too quickly. If you just
bought an item, filled a propane tank, etc. and it has
run-out before it should than it could be time to talk to
your children.
55
What action step are you going to take to
put inhalant abuse on the RADAR?
56