New Legislation Helps Inhalant Abusers Seek Treatment

Advocates are hailing Rep. Charles Murphy (D-Massachusetts) and the passage of a bill which provides a treatment option to a growing number of Massachusetts families who suffer the destructive effects of inhalant abuse. Commonly referred to as “huffing,” and most prevalent among 12-17-year olds, inhalant abuse is the purposeful inhalation of chemical vapors to achieve intoxication.

A recent study listed inhalants as the fourth most abused substance among high school students trailing only alcohol, cigarettes, and marijuana. Despite their growing numbers, current state law excludes many inhalant abusers from court-ordered substance abuse treatment programs.

“We have an increasing number of young people who need treatment for inhalant abuse but who are not getting the help they need,” Murphy said in a press release issued by his office. “This bill seeks to remedy a critical shortfall in the existing statute so that we can reach these kids before they fall through the cracks.”

Under current state law, relatives, doctors, or law enforcement officials may petition a court to have alcohol or substance abusers committed for up to 30 days of treatment in a state-approved rehabilitation facility. Because many inhalants are not classified as controlled substances however, courts often lack statutory authority to commit huffing addicts to treatment.

Murphy sought input on the bill from police officers, substance abuse counselors, parents and coalition members.

“It’s unfortunate that the abuse had to increase to such astounding numbers for this legislation to happen,” said Marilyn G. Belmonte, Co-Chairperson of the Burlington, Mass. Drug and Alcohol Task Force coalition, told CADCA. Belmonte’s coalition has worked with Rep. Murphy on substance abuse issues for several years.

Passage of the bill will help Belmonte in her prevention talks with parents and youth and law enforcement trainings about inhalant abuse. “I think it’s something that other states will pick up on and hopefully pass a treatment option, too.”

Harvey Weiss, Executive Director of the National Inhalant Prevention Coalition in Tennessee, agreed that prevention is the best and most effective treatment for inhalant abuse and dependence. “What Rep. Murphy and the Massachusetts Legislature have done is not only thrown a lifeline to huffers, but also salvaged and saved lives,” Weiss wrote in his newsletter this week.

To learn more about inhalant abuse, view a recent CADCA TV show entitled Household Highs: Understanding Inhalants. The show, which can be viewed on demand, featured Harvey Weiss and other inhalant abuse experts.