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15+
— Make Time to Listen; Take Time to Talk
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Make Time to Listen…Take Time to Talk about Inhalants
According to national surveys, more than 2 million kids aged 12-17 have used some forms of an inhalant to get high.
- Ask your teens what they know about inhalants
- Do they have friends who abuse inhalants?
- Ask if they know the physical damage that can occur from "sniffing": damage to brain, liver, lungs, kidneys, loss of memory and smell, and death-even the first time
- Tell your child that the consequences of abusing products are as dangerous as those from abusing alcohol or using illegal drugs
- Let them know that sniffing products to get high is not the way to fit in. Help them address peer pressure. It may seem harmless, but the high can come with a deadly cost
- Be absolutely clear- emphasize that unsafe actions and risky behavior have serious consequences
- Encourage your child to come to you, or a teacher, clergy, counselor, coach or adult friend if they have any questions or concerns
- Monitor their activities, know their friends, be a good listener, set limits
- Seize communication opportunities
