Pubdate: Thu, 03 Feb 2005
Source: Richmond Times-Dispatch (VA)
Copyright: 2005 Richmond Newspapers Inc.
Contact:  http://www.timesdispatch.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/365

SNIFFERS' NUMBERS SURGE

Eighth-Graders Attempt to Get High

Nearly one in five eighth-graders said they have attempted to get high by 
inhaling potentially toxic vapors such as those found in glue, gasoline, 
paint thinner, butane lighters, nail polish remover and aerosol sprays.

In a nationwide survey, more than 17 percent of 17,413 U.S. eighth-graders 
said they had tried sniffing such substances. The anonymous questionnaires 
showed the second consecutive surge in the abuse rate -- up from 15 percent 
in 2003 -- after a 40 percent decline following a campaign in the mid-'90s 
against the solvents' dangers.

The National Institute on Drug Abuse, which funds the annual survey, said 
it will launch a new campaign to alert children and parents of the dangers 
of sniffing. Inhalant abuse can cause instant death by triggering cardiac 
arrhythmias and asphyxiation. It also can cause blindness, neuropathy and 
harm to major bodily organs. 
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MAP posted-by: Richard Lake