Expert Calls for More Comprehensive Approach to Reduce Inhalants

Although more than half of the United States has passed laws pertaining to inhalant abuse, one advocate thinks a more comprehensive approach should be used.

Harvey Weiss, Executive Director of the National Inhalant Prevention Coalition (NIPC) in Tennessee, said singling out one product such as heavily huffed computer keyboard cleaner simply draws attention to it by youth who are prone to experiment and creates a misperception that other products of misuse may be "safer.” Weiss says more coalitions could achieve inhalant use reduction if they include legislation language that is broader to cover more easily abused products as well as to enact legislation to include a mandate for inhalant prevention education and awareness and treatment training.

Weiss is working on legislation in his state and offered coalitions NIPC’s proposed model.

Weiss commended the work that has been done by coalitions recently about this often misunderstood drug, such as Virginia's SAFE Coalition which recently received the National Association of State Alcohol and Drug Abuse Directors 2010 National Exemplary Award for Innovative Substance Abuse Prevention Programs, Practices, and Policies for decreasing lifetime inhalant use among eighth-graders in their county. Thanks to the work of SAFE, 8th grade students now receive inhalant education in their curriculum, which is important since 8th grader often have the highest rates of inhalant abuse.

Weiss also thinks state inhalant abuse laws shouldn’t be punitive and treatment should be offered such as the recent passage of Massachusetts’ bill. Because many inhalants are not classified as controlled substances, courts often lack statutory authority to commit huffing addicts to treatment…if the addict can find treatment, he said. Adding inhalants to a list of drugs for DUI or DWI laws can be futile, as these chemicals are challenging to test for.

Although youth ages 12 to 17 have the highest rate of inhalant abuse, adults can get easily addicted.

“We have received more and more calls on our 800 number from 30 year olds for their siblings and parents who are huffing,” Weiss said. “And treatment programs are difficult to find for adults and even youth.”

Among the teen huffers, the number of girls abusing inhalants such as nitrous oxide, butane, air freshener, paint thinner, paint, propane, helium and other chemicals has increased, Weiss said.

"Huffers" can suffer brain damage or worse. “And it can only take one time,” he said. That’s why in addition to legislation, Weiss’ organization recommends education and prevention.

“It’s the best and most effective treatment for inhalant abuse and dependence,” he said. NIPC works with poison control centers, state agencies, schools, businesses, trade associations, media, civic organizations, law enforcement, and interfaith groups throughout the country to educate and devise awareness and prevention campaigns designed to educate youth and adults about the effects of these dangerous drugs.

“We need to be even more aggressive with the education of inhalant abuse. Whenever an adult talks to a child about poisons, it is time to talk about inhalants,” Weiss said.

Coalitions can limit access to one popular and deadly inhalant right now, he said, right in their own offices and homes. For about $15, coalition members can install locking caps for air conditioner valves that some addicts steal Freon from. Weiss is collaborating with an international organization that is mandating all new office construction install such a cap. Coalitions can get involved by advocating their individual cities to adopt language in laws regarding the cap.

Coalitions wanting to do more about inhalant abuse in their community can contact Weiss at 800-269-4237 or nipc@io.com.