What to Say about Inhalants

My 7-year-old daughter recently confided in me that some friends of hers were breathing felt-tip markers to get high. I pointed out to her that this was a very stupid thing to do and could even kill them. What else should I have said to her? -- Very Concerned
Answer: Unfortunately, children are discovering that common household products are the easiest way to get high. Depending on the level of dosage, users can experience slight stimulation, feelings of less inhibition, loss of consciousness and even death.
The National Inhalant Prevention Coalition (NIPC) states that by the time a student reaches eighth grade, one in five will have used inhalants. According to the NIPC, education about inhalants should begin as early as age 4. Here are some of their suggestions about what parents should say and do at different ages:
Ages 4 to 7
--Be a good role model when using cleaning products, solvents, glues and other products. Let your kids see you reading labels and following instructions, and point out the importance of doing this.
--Stress the importance of oxygen to life, as inhaling many substances results in oxygen deprivation.
Ages 7 to 10
--Repeat what you need to say to children ages 4 to 7.
--Talk with your children about the term "toxic."
--Discuss and discourage "body pollution" and introducing poisons into the body.
Ages 10 to 14
--Talk about the negative effects of oxygen deprivation.
--Discuss environmental toxins and personal safety issues.
Ages 14 to 18
--Describe and discuss short- and long-term effects of inhaling toxic products.
--Describe and discuss the implications of other gases replacing oxygen in the blood.
The NIPC also lists these don'ts to follow in discussing inhalant usage:
--Tell too much too soon
--Rely on scare tactics
--Give details on "how to use" products being abused
Do visit the National Inhalant Prevention Coalition's website (www.inhalants.org) to answer any questions that you may have about inhalant abuse.