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Inhalants:
1. The term “inhalants” refers to more than a thousand different household and commercial products that can intentionally be abused by sniffing or “huffing” (inhaling through one’s mouth) for an intoxicating effect. These products are composed of volatile solvents and substances commonly found in commercial adhesives, lighter fluids, cleaning solutions, and paint products
2. There is a common link between inhalant abuse and teenagers. Some problems include: failing grades, memory loss, learning problems, chronic absences, and general apathy. Inhalant users also tend to be disruptive, deviant, or delinquent as a result of the early onset of use, the user’s lack of physical and emotion maturation, and the physical consequences that occur from extended use.
3. Between 1994 and 2000, the number of new inhalant users increased more than 50 percent, from 618,000 new users in 1994 to 979,000 in 2000. These estimates were higher than a previous peak in 1978 (662,000 new users).
Steroids
- Steroids are synthetic derivatives of the male hormone testosterone. Scientifically referred to as androgenic anabolic steroids, these derivatives promote the growth of skeletal muscle and increase lean body mass.
- Steroids can be taken orally or via injection with a needle. Some consequences of steroid abuse are: higher blood pressure, liver problems, stunted growth, infertility, irregular menstrual cycles, and testicular shrinkage. Over time, steroid use can cause violent behavior, delusions, and paranoid jealousy.
- The 1995 Youth Risk and Behavior Surveillance System showed that of 9th to 12th graders in public and private high schools in the U.S., 4.9 percent of males and 2.4 percent of females have used anabolic steroids at least once in their lives
Resources
- U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (HHS)
200 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20201
877-696-6775 (Toll-Free)
www.hhs.gov
- HHS, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
5600 Fishers Lane
Parklawn Building, Suite 13C-05
Rockville, MD 20857
301-443-8956
www.samhsa.gov
- HHS, SAMHSA
National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information
P.O. Box 2345
Rockville, MD 20847-2345
800-729-6686 (Toll-Free)
800-487-4889 (TDD) (Toll-Free)
877-767-8432 (Spanish) (Toll-Free)
www.ncadi.samhsa.gov
Sources: http://www.recoverymonth.gov/2003/kit/targeted.aspx
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