Parents need to be aware of inhalant abuse
Inhalant use has become a silent epidemic. Why? Parents are out of the loop. Children discuss it and practice it; adults stay in the dark.

A recent study by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission showed that 95 percent of parents believe their child has never used inhalants. Yet, almost one in five eighthgraders has intentionally inhaled everyday office, school and household products at the risk of brain damage and even death, reports the National Institute on Drug Abuse "Monitoring the Future Survey".

Inhalant abuse, most common in the 10- to 12-year-old age bracket, is also considered a "gateway drug" - a student's first form of substance abuse before "graduating "to other drugs.

The week of March 16-23 is National Inhalants and Poisons Awareness Week. Contact Prevention First and ask for a free copy of "A Parents Guide to Preventing Inhalant Abuse." We must educate our children about inhalants before they educate themselves. We can protect our children by working together. For more information call or visit our resource center at (732) 663-1800, ext. 216.

Mary Pat Angelini Executive Director and CEO

Prevention First Ocean Township