*requires Acrobat Reader. Click here to obtain a free copy

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SUBSTANCE ABUSE DISCUSSED DURING INHALANTS AWARENESS WEEK

MONTGOMERY – Department of Mental Health & Mental Retardation Commissioner Kathy Sawyer and Associate Commissioner for Substance Abuse Kent Hunt want to let Alabamians know about the dangers of inhalants, one of the most commonly abused substances. "Inhalants are psychoactive substances that are found in numerous household products, especially cleaners and other chemical-type household goods," Sawyer said.

Hunt notes that many individuals begin to abuse inhalants because they are inexpensive, easy to conceal, and readily available for purchase at local retail stores. "What they may not realize is that inhalant abuse is extremely dangerous and can result in serious health problems like hearing loss, nosebleeds, brain and central nervous system damage, and blood oxygen depletion," Hunt said.

"The psychological and behavioral effects of inhalant abuse are equally devastating. They can include hallucinations, violent behavior and permanent damage and/or impairment to critically important functions and activities of the brain," Sawyer said. "Inhalant abuse has also been the culprit of many tragic deaths due to suffocation or heart failure."

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency estimates that at least 20 percent of high school seniors will have abused inhalants at least once during their school careers. "The bad news is that inhalant abuse occurs in all age groups, all income levels and all races, " Hunt said. "But the good news is that substance abuse treatment is available and can help individuals who are chemical dependent rebuild their health and their lives."

RESOURCES

Information about substance abuse treatment is available from the Alabama DMH/MR Substance Abuse Services Division at (334) 242-3961. You can also visit the DMH/MR Substance Abuse Division online at http://www.mh.state.al.us by clicking the "Substance Abuse" link on the home page. The site features an interactive substance abuse treatment facility locator where visitors can anonymously enter their ZIP code and receive a comprehensive listing of substance abuse treatment facilities and programs in their community.

Individuals needing treatment can also call the Alabama Council on Substance Abuse toll-free help line at 1-800-SOBER90. Assistance is available 24 hours per day, 7 days per week.The U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency web site contains a large amount of information regarding substance abuse and statistics. Visit at http://www.dea.gov .