Drugs at home
According to a national survey, about 12 percent of all eighth-graders had used inhalants in the year preceding the 2007 survey. Many such substances are available to young people, and they provide effects similar to alcohol: an initial rush followed by disinhibition, slurred speech and stupor, depending on how much was used. Inhalants have been one culprit for decades (in recent history, that is) and the drugs are kept under most kitchen sinks, in the household desk or in the schoolroom, waiting to be used. Gasoline, correction fluid, marking pens, lighter fluid, cleaning fluids and other solvents will provide a quick and free high that leaves virtually no evidence. One thing to look for, though, is socks or rags that were used and then discarded. Your medicine cabinet is another point of easy access for teenagers curious to experiment with different highs. Three classifications of prescription drugs are most commonly abused: pain medication (Vicodin, Oxycontin), stimulants (Dexedrine, Ritalin) and sedative-hypnotics (Valium, Xanax). These are all widely prescribed medications and found in many homes. The use of any of these drugs without medical supervision is potentially dangerous.
