Inhalants Abuse On the Rise Among Pre-Teens

Recent data released by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) shows that 12 year olds are beginning to turn toward potentially lethal inhalants rather than marijuana, cocaine, and hallucinogens. According to a SAMHSA news release, "SAMHSA data from the 2006-2008 National Surveys on Drug Use and Health show a rate of lifetime inhalant use among 12 year olds of 6.9 percent, compared to a rate of 5.1 percent for nonmedical use of prescription type drugs; a rate of 1.4 percent for marijuana; a rate of 0.7 percent for use of hallucinogens; and a 0.1 rate for cocaine use." Common inhalants are found in everyday products such as glue, hair spray, spray paint, nail polish remover, and correction fluid. This study was released to kick off the 18th annual National Inhalants & Poisons Awareness Week which begins today and ends on March 21st. More information on this topic can be found at the National Inhalant Prevention Coalition's website or through the National Institute on Drug Abuse.