What do Huffing and Heroin have in common?

Huffing and heroin have become the drugs of choice for pre-teens and teens.

This week, a story on ABCNEWS.com titled, “Teens Get High with One Household Huff,” detailed the oh-so-brief timeline of one family whose pre-teen son began huffing household products at age twelve. His parents, oblivious to the symptoms he exhibited—excessive sleep, irritability, and a declining interest in school, social activities and sports -- almost lost their son to an overdose.

This family is not unique. The report includes: “Data released in March by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) indicate that 12-year-old kids are more likely to get high from common, legal household substances including aerosol computer cleaners, air fresheners, hair spray or shoe polish than use cigarettes or marijuana.”

A father in Chicago was not as fortunate.

Chicago Herald-News recently reported that a retired police officer and university professor lost his young son to a heroine overdose after a secret battle to overcome the addiction. Remorseful, the father, John Roberts admitted that he hoped to help his son overcome his addiction to heroine without others knowing, especially because of the stigma—but after losing his son, he has changed his mind.

"Roberts wants parents to know that it is easier to get heroin than beer, and that heroin is cheaper than prescription drugs. They need to know that a kid can get a hit of heroin for $5 to $10, he said. 'From my own experience of wanting to keep things private and not wanting a criminal record for my son, I have had a shift of feelings. The best thing that could have happened was to get him arrested and moved into the right circle of help. We have to make sure that there is a circle that is connected and ready to help all of our kids. I believe you can never give up.'"


This week, I chose to share the stories of these two families to bring awareness to those of us who underestimate the temptations that pre-teens and teenagers face every day. Every adult—who is a neighbor, family friend, co-worker, or relative of a teenager--should be aware of the signs and symptoms of drug addiction, suicidal tendencies, sexual abuse, or underage drinking among adolescents so that you can help a troubled teen. How?

The SAMHSA website (US Department of Health and Human Services) shares a great deal of information on many subjects pertaining to teens and families, but one of its flagship programs includes this motto: Talk Early, Talk Often, and Get Others Involved.

You and I are the “others.”

One little change that you can make that will have a big result is to become educated about the issues that are facing today’s adolescents, then be brave enough to speak up about them. Just do a little online research (I've given you a start) and be attentive when you listen to the news—so that when you find yourself around a teenager, you’ll be knowledgeable on the issues and able to discuss them with confidence. Believe me, their parents will be happy you spoke up!

Be encouraged,

Becky