WhiteSands Alcohol and Drug Rehab Publishes Article Surrounding National Inhalants and Poisons Awareness Week

Fort Myers, Florida -

Fort Myers, Florida - WhiteSands Alcohol and Drug Rehab, a premier addiction treatment center in Fort Myers, with offices across Florida- offering all levels of care and a full continuum of treatment options, is raising awareness on a public health issue that’s affecting our nation; inhalant abuse and addiction. WhiteSands specializes in treating a range of drug and alcohol addictions and crafts customized, tailored treatment programs for each and every patient who enters the facility.

‘National Inhalants and Poisons Awareness Week’ (NIPAW) takes place between March 21st and 27th and shines a light on an increasingly pressing issue that our nation is faced with. The awareness week surrounding inhalant misuse began in 1992 to help boost initiatives across the nation that help with better understanding the harmful repercussions of abusing inhalants. The awareness week acts as a reminder that there are very severe health impacts of inhalants and abusing toxic substances has inherent negative health consequences. The role of NIPAW is to inform individuals that treatment, therapy, counseling, and guidance are available for those who are struggling with substance abuse.

Inhalants can be made using everyday household agents. as well as industrial chemicals, and when inhaled, results in intoxication or a ‘high’. Just a single experiment or hit of inhalants can result in long-term brain and organ damage, seizures, and can even be fatal. Some inhalants that are often used as a means to get ‘high’ are aerosol sprays, glues, paint, nitrates, gases, and solvents.

“You can get educated, get involved, and be a part of the solution to prevent inhalant abuse and save lives,” states the Alliance for Consumer Education when asked why we as a population need to get involved in the National Inhalants and Poisons Awareness Week (Source). “A child is 50% less likely to try an inhalant if an adult has spoken to them about the dangers of inhalant abuse.”

It’s important that as parents and mentors, we are aware of these potentially very dangerous day-to-day household items. Having a conversation with your teen will help to reiterate the harmful outcomes and consequences of abusing these substances. By instilling knowledge surrounding inhalants, teens and adults can make informed decisions when confronted with temptation or peer pressure. Knowledge is power and when individuals understand the risks involved in taking part in substance abuse, they are much less likely to dabble or experiment. Knowing the warning signs of inhalant abuse can help tackle the problem early on, which is why it is important to look out for indications that your loved one may be abusing substances.

WhiteSands Treatment has been rated the number one treatment program for drug and alcohol addiction in the nation. With board-certified psychiatrists, registered nurses, and highly-qualified and certified clinical staff, they were able to earn their ranking as a top-performing facility across the U.S. Their impressive inpatient facility spans over a 10-acre campus and features private rooms for all guests, a newly-constructed recreation center and athletics complex, as well as offering a full-range of comprehensive levels of care.