crisis pregnancy
A Big Stink
Question: What type of drug has one in five eighth-graders used to get high?
Hint: Two-thirds of teens actually believe this type of drug has little or no danger. It's easy to find, cheap to buy and deadly. More addictive than cocaine, it's not tobacco, alcohol or even marijuana. And it's found under your kitchen sink or in your garage.
Answer: Inhalants.
Inhalants have vapors or gases that are breathed in to receive a high. They include glues, aerosols, felt-tip markers, solvents, fuels and cleaners. Kids who would never consider doing illegal drugs find themselves huffing (inhaling) these toxic chemicals.
Once inhaled, these poisonous fumes travel from the lungs to the heart and end up in the brain. Without being filtered through the liver or kidneys, they are extremely potent in killing brain cells which causes brain damage.
The list of side effects is astounding: suffocation, hallucinations, numbness, tingling, hearing and smelling loss, shaking, personality changes, severe mood swings, memory loss, learning disabilities and even leukemia.
Sudden Sniffing Death Syndrome can occur the first time a user tries huffing or the 100th time he inhales. The chemicals cause the heart to beat irregularly and it simply stops pumping.
So how do you talk to your middle schooler about the overwhelming dangers of huffing? Chances are he has already been exposed to inhalants either at school or at home and may know more about them than you do. However, he probably doesn't know all the facts.
Try talking about oxygen deprivation, body pollution, peer resistance strategies and inhalants being very real drugs. However, be careful not to tell too much too soon. You know what your child will be able to handle.
At the same time, be aware of signs of inhalant use in your child: paint stains on body or clothes, empty spray cans, rags and plastic bags, red or runny nose and eyes, slurred speech, chemical smell on breath, decreased appetite, poor memory, sores on mouth and throat and agitation or irritability.
If you would like resources or information about inhalants, call the National Inhalant Prevention Coalition at (800) 269-4237 or visit the Web site http://www.inhalants.org./
Background Information
Behind the Scenes of a Teen Pregnancy
A look at the thoughts and feelings she — and you — are going through.
Abortion Risks
While abortion seems like a "quick fix" for a long-term problem, it is a permanent decision that carries physical, emotional and spiritual risks.
Deciding About Adoption
When considering adoption as an alterative to raising your baby, these answers may dispel adoption myths.
Questions and Answers
Why do I feel like this pregnancy has pulled me in so many different directions? I feel so overwhelmed with all the ramifications of this decision I must make. How can I sort it all out?
Answer
My pregnant daughter has her whole life still ahead of her. Would it be better for her to place her baby with a family through adoption, parent her baby or have an abortion?
Answer
Review Frequently Asked Questions
Stories
Things Seen and Unseen
A woman in a white coat walked into the room and flipped on the fluorescent lights, jarring my wife awake. The jarring was just beginning.
Left to Suffer
Abortion can leave a woman feeling more empty and alone than she ever dreamed possible.
Life is Sacred
Sometimes the choices we make bring pain. Thankfully, one woman turned to God for healing.
Taboo Grief: Men and Abortion
It's not something most men talk about, but the ones who've lost a child to abortion bear many scars.
If you've been through a experience related to this topic, we invite you to share your story with others.Share Your Story
Other Things to Consider
Faith Helps
God may be the only person who understands what you're going through.
What the Choice is All About
For a long time it baffled me. I could never understand why anyone would want to be pro-choice. But this past week I finally got it.
Related Topics
Relationships: Blended Families, Parents and Adult Children
Transitions: Preparing for Adolescence, Empty Nest
