What are some common misconceptions that impede the prevention of inhalant abuse?
Source: http://www.inhalants.org/phys.html – How Physicians Can Clear The Air Regarding Inhalants Developed by Richard Scatterday, M.D. Irving, Texas The first problematic concept is to have “no concept,” to have no awareness that a problem exists. Another is that inhalant abuse is a “harmless and passing phase” typical of normal adolescent development, and as such is not worthy of much concern since it will spontaneously resolve without difficulty. The frequency of sudden death among initial users exposes the inappropriateness of this view. A third is that the problem mainly affects minority and socio-economically disadvantaged youth. While certainly such youth are affected, a careful examination of Texas statistics indicates that inhalant use affects youth of all racial socio-economic groups, and that among them, Caucasians tend to be most affected. Inhalant use tends to be under recognized as a serious threat to youth: it affects substantial numbers, and because of inherent toxicity
