Celebrate Friendship Day with ACE!

Posted July 31, 2018
Celebrate this Friendship Day with your teen by encouraging them to keep friends safe from inhalant abuse. Peers might encourage others to try inhalants but tell your teen to speak up and tell friends that inhalant abuse is dangerous and dumb.
What is inhalant abuse?
Inhalant abuse refers to the deliberate sniffing of common products found in homes and communities with the purpose of “getting high.” Even though it is a lesser known form of substance abuse, inhalant abuse is no less dangerous. People who misuse inhalants can die from their first exposure or have serious medical problems from repeated exposure. Inhalant abuse is most prevalent among younger teens with 9th graders showing the highest usage rates.
What are signs of inhalant abuse?
Talk to your teen about recognizing different signs and effects of inhalant abuse in their friends. The effects of each type of inhalant varies but there are some common signs to look out for:
How should you talk to a friend?
If your child notices any of these signs in a peer, tell them they need to speak to an adult immediately. Whether it be a parent or teacher encourage them to contact a trusted adult so that their friend can get help as soon as possible.When they talk to their friend emphasize support. You child should listen to their friend attentively and support them through their recovery.
Talking to your teen doesn’t have to be long and drawn out. A quick 5-minute conversation can allow them to have a positive impact on their friends. Remember good friends don’t let each other make bad decisions.