Inhalant Use: Prevention in the Home

Inhalants are easily accessed, offer a quick high, and can be more difficult to detect than alcohol or drug abuse. Furthermore, rates of inhalant use are higher for younger children compared to adolescents and adults, which is contradictory to what is found with other drugs. Parents should be aware of signs that may indicate inhalant abuse and should talk with their children about the dangers of inhalant use, starting when they are in elementary school. Studies have shown that youth who were heavy inhalant users were less likely to be employed as adults, more likely to engage in illegal activity, and have heavier drug use compared to other youth1. Parents can help prevent their children from following this path.

Prevention Tips for Parents

Reduce the availability of inhalants. Unlike alcohol and other drugs, many inhalants are licit substances that children and teens can readily access. Parents should be aware of the kinds of chemicals used as inhalants today and monitor the storage and use of these substances in the home. Parents may consider purchasing less harmful or natural products instead of those known for inhalant abuse, or locking certain chemicals in a safe area.

Educate children about the dangers of inhalant abuse. As with alcohol and other drugs, the home is the primary place to educate children and teenagers about how inhalants can affect their bodies, minds, and relationships with friends and family. Parents should stress the dangers of inhalant use, and how ANY use can be dangerous–even deadly. Don't rely on scare tactics, though. Research has shown that children may not believe these kinds of messages since they conflict with their own observations and possibly life experiences.

Be clear that inhalant use and all drug use is not permitted. Parents should discuss the topic with their children and be firm.