Why People use Inhalants

Author: -
Publish Date: 20-Jan-2009

Some kids mistakenly believe that abusing inhalants and engaging in other types of risky behaviours are acts of rebellion that can make them feel better about themselves.

However, rejecting healthy practices, safety and common sense just because grown-ups tell you that they are important will not help you. Making unwise choices, such as inhaling a dangerous substance, shows that the drug user is still a child who needs to be protected by adults.

Peer pressure

We all know what it feels like to want to belong to a social group. No one wants to feel disliked or left out when a friend is having a party or a group of kids is hanging out. But what happens when someone in the group does something you don't agree with or don't want to do? You want to fit in and you want people to think you're cool.

This is peer pressure. Sometimes it's easy to spot. A friend might come right out and say something to make you feel bad if you don't do what everyone else seems to be doing. Other times, your friends might not say anything specific but you still worry that they won't like you if you don't go along with them.

Peer pressure is one of the main reasons teen abuse inhalants. Even adults feel peer pressure but when you're still growing up and trying to figure out exactly where you fit in, that pressure can be much stronger. But you don't have to give in to peer pressure. There are ways to avoid doing things you don't want to do while still feeling like part of the gang. Chances are, you're not the only one in the group who doesn't want to abuse inhalants. Other kids may feel the same way but they may also be afraid to speak up. If you want to do what's best for you, though, you have to stand up for yourself.

This isn't always easy, of course. It takes courage. You may fear losing your friends. But you may also find out that if you do say no, other friends who may have been afraid to speak will take your side because they'll know they are not alone. And it's often easier than you may think to say, "No, thanks."

Here are a few other ways that you can take control of your life and resist inhalants:

  • Skip parties or activities organised by friends who have undesirable behaviour.
  • Hang out instead with friends who don't drink or abuse inhalants.
  • Find new after-school activities. Check with community clubs to see whether they offer sports, music lessons or craft classes.
  • Get involved in drug-free activities like movies, community service projects, or walk-a-thons. Ask your friends to join you.

Besides feeling peer pressure, here are a few other reasons young people have given for experimenting with inhalants:

  • To have fun or to relax
  • To feel more grown-up
  • Out of curiosity
  • Because it seems exciting
  • To stop feeling lonely or depressed

All of these reasons reflect perfectly normal emotions.

What's important is that you look for ways to satisfy your sense of adventure or curiosity, or help yourself feel less lonely or sad, in ways that are healthier than abusing inhalants. If anyone asks you to try inhaling a substance like glue or contact cement, tell them you don't breathe poisons and that you're not interested in doing things that will hurt you.

Be your own best friend by protecting your body.

Adapted from the book "Junior Drug Awareness: Inhalants & Solvents" by Dr. Linda Bayer.