NIIS - Parents and Teachers

Parents and Teachers

The National Inhalants Information Service (NIIS) exists to increase access to and availability of a wide range of information and resources on inhalants abuse to the whole community. Specific resources are available for parents and teachers.

Please note: The information on this page, while sourced from reputable publications is not intended to replace the information or advice given by a medical practitioner.

Parents

Experimentation with inhalants often begins at an early age and for most young people using inhalants is a short term activity. Inhalant use may be triggered simply by curiosity or they may want to: get high; belong to a group; and/or shock parents. For some young people it is a way of escaping from their problems. Inhalants are legal, cheap and easily obtainable. Whatever the reason, inhalant use carries serious risk.

The main dangers arise from accidents (falling, choking or suffocation) that occur when under the effects of inhaling. Common side effects initially include excitement, disinhibition and hallucinations but are often followed by headaches, nausea, disorientation and drowsiness. The effects may differ depending on what has been inhaled, for how long, and if used in combination with other drugs.

It is important to communicate calmly with your child in an open way. Take the time to listen to their concerns and discuss the implications of using inhalants. Highlight the points that there is no safe level of inhalant use, that they shouldn’t sniff alone or in dangerous places, and that they should not smoke or use any other drugs such as alcohol whilst using inhalants.

Signs of Inhalants use
-    Finding unusual amounts of glues, lighter refills or aerosol containers in your child’s possession.
-    Chemical smells from breath or clothing.
-    Paint or other chemical stains on face, hands or clothing.
-    Unexpected and rapid ‘drunken behaviour”.

How to help in an emergency
If drowsy or unconscious
-    Lay them on their side so that they won’t choke if they vomit.
-    Make sure they are breathing fresh air and remove the inhalant.
-    If they are unconscious call an ambulance (dial triple zero - 000).
-    Check their breathing and pulse regularly until help arrives and commence CPR if necessary.

If conscious
-    Do not give chase or get them stressed.
-    Keep them calm and reassure them if they are distressed.
-    Try to stay calm - don't discuss their problems until they have sobered up.

Contact your local alcohol and drug agency for help in dealing with drug use.

For further parent information try the websites below or Contact Us with your details and a request for Information for Parents.

Useful information for parents
myDr.com.au.Inhalants: what can parents do? [website]

DrugInfo Clearinghouse. Inhalant use by young people (for parents) [website]

Family Drug Support. Factsheet – Inhalants [pdf - 88 kB]

Source:
Australian Drug Foundation 2005, Dealing with inhalant use: a guide for parents (pamphlet), Australian Drug Foundation, North Melbourne, Victoria.

Drug and Alcohol Office, Western Australia 2004, Volatile substance use: an information guide, WA Drug & Alcohol Office, Mt Lawley Western Australia.

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Teachers

The National Inhalants Information Service (NIIS) exists to increase access to and availability of a wide range of information and resources on inhalants abuse to the whole community. In addition to information for parents there are specific resources that are available for teachers, but availability varies from state to state. It is important to follow the policies put in place by your state education department, regarding drug education.

Teacher should be aware and alert to the signs and dangers of inhalant misuse and be familiar with emergency first aid responses. Specific resources are listed below and for further teacher information Contact Us with your details and a request for Information for Teachers.

National
Commonwealth Department of Education, Science and Training (1999), National school drug education strategy. [website]
Commonwealth Department of Education, Science and Training (2006), Keeping in touch: the kit - working with alcohol and other drug use: a resource for primary and secondary schools. [pdf - 3.04 MB]

New South Wales
NSW Public Schools, Sniffing: the dangers of solvent use by young people. [website]

Youth off the street, Teaching about inhalants. [website]

Northern Territory
Department of Education and Training. Health Promoting Schools [website]
Included on this page is a link to the Indigenous Drug Education Support Materials (IDESM) which includes Topic 12 - Petrol Sniffing
Department of Education and Training. Drug Education. [pdf - 36 kB]

Queensland
Department of Education, Training and the Arts. Drug Education, Volatile Substance Misuse. [website]

South Australia
Department of Education and Children's Services.
Teaching about Inhalants [website]
Drug education R-12 teacher support package. [website]
Intervention matters - a policy statement and procedural framework for the management of suspected drug-related incidents in schools. [website]

Indigenous Drug Education Support Materials (IDESM).
This material was developed for the Northern Territory and its curriculum framework. Despite this, South Australian educators, particularly those in remote settings, will find much that may be useful.
Topic 12 – Petrol sniffing. [pdf - 5.59 MB]

Victoria
Department of Education and Training. Volatile solvents: a resource for schools. [pdf - 365 kB]