I presume it would be safe to say that the majority of us believe that the word “home” conjures thoughts of love, safety, security, happy celebrations, fun, laughter, and peace.  It is a place where we can be ourselves, relax, and not worry about the worldly stressors.  While I hope that this is true for everyone, you may find it interesting to learn that many of the items found in a household are being used by our adolescents to get high.  All one has to do is listen to a news broadcast and you’ll hear about America’s intensifying dependence upon mind-altering behaviors and illicit substances.      Children, many of them between the ages of 12-17 are experimenting with hard core dangerous  chemicals such as: heroin, cocaine, marijuana, Ecstasy, PCP, alcohol, and LSD.  However, what you may not he aware of is the more covert danger present in our homes.  Readily available household chemicals like airplane glue, carbon tetrachloride (used in swimming pools) halogen compounds, Scotch-guard, computer cleaner, gasoline, butane, air freshener, cooking spray, deodorant spray, aerosol whipping cream, hair spray, correction fluid, colored markers,    Nyquil, Vicks Formula 44, Robitussin, and Coricidan HBP Cough & Cold tablets (which contain Dextromethorphan or DXM) are being consumed by adolescents—at an alarming rate! Unaware of the long-term residual health hazards, such as: kidney and liver damage, heart and bone disease, diminished cognitive abilities, optic nerve damage, unintended trauma, asphyxia; suffocation, and cardiac arrhythmias; coupled with the mindset of invincibility and immortality, adolescents are turning to cheaper methods of getting high. 

In searching for a reason as to why adolescents are turning to such a dangerous form of thrill-seeking behaviors, it is important  to discuss how we, as a society, are becoming or have become desensitized to the normality of life.  From birth to death, humans are inundated with extremely high-intensity media.  In the past twenty years, video games have skyrocketed our children into hardcore galaxies of gang violence, high-intensity tactical simulations, and fast and furious action adventures.  In addition to high impact video games, Hollywood is continually producing action-packed, mega adrenaline-driven movies that depict “heroes” as masculine, exotic, and intense killing machines.  These stereotypical roles impress upon the minds of our youth an image that is not in touch with reality. How does someone find enjoyment from the routine of normal everyday life after hours upon hours of super high-intensity adrenaline-seeking adventure?  These “games” alter the pleasure-reward neurotransmitters (endorphins, dopamine, and serotonin) in our brain to the point that increased tolerance, withdrawal, and psychological dependence is established (same as any other addiction).  In a quest to satisfy this thirst for more pleasure-reward activities, adolescents are turning to extremely dangerous behaviors by huffing everyday household chemicals. 

Adolescence is a period where an individual develops the ability to comprehend abstract content (e.g., higher mathematic concepts and moral philosophies), question old values, and move toward a sense of identity and purpose.  It is appropriate for an adolescent to begin to separate from their parents and establish individual identity. How can you tell if your child is using drugs?  Certain cognitive and behavioral changes may occur. These changes include: unusual   outbursts of anger, changes in sleeping patterns, changes in friends, negative changes in schoolwork (declining grades, missing school or incomplete/absent homework), increased secrecy about possessions or activities, use of incense; room deodorant; or perfume to hide smoke or chemical odors, increase in borrowing money, use of secretive or coded        language amongst friends, evidence of use of inhalant products such as hairspray, nail polish, correction fluid, and other common household products, and bottles of eye drops, which may be used to mask dilated or bloodshot eyes.

If you suspect that your adolescent is using drugs/chemicals, please contact Hope for Tomorrow, Inc. to see how we can assist you and your child recover from this extremely dangerous addiction.  We, as parents, serve as the “anti-drug”.  It is my hope that everyone has a blessed holiday season, and may God keep your family safe throughout the new year.

   Jeff Gilbert

Founder & Executive Director