Teenagers face rising inhalant use driven by social media trends
Recent trends on social media have led to a worrying rise in the use of inhalants among adolescents in the United States, including substances like nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, reports BritPanorama.
According to a new study published in Preventive Medicine, over 500,000 American adolescents reported inhalant use in the past year. The study analyzed data from more than 33,700 adolescents collected between 2021 and 2023, revealing that 2.2% reported using inhalants during this period. While this figure may seem small, it equates to a significant number of teenagers, indicating widespread concerns regarding misuse and health implications.
Dr. Leana Wen, an emergency physician and wellness expert, emphasized the dangers of inhalants, noting that they produce mind-altering effects when inhaled from products commonly found in homes and schools. These include glues, aerosols, and nitrous oxide, which is often perceived as safer due to its legitimate medical applications.
The study highlights that inhalants are particularly concerning as they are inexpensive, widely available, and often legally purchased, leading adolescents to mistakenly assume they are safe. This misconception can result in serious health risks, including dizziness, impaired judgement, and in extreme cases, permanent neurological damage or sudden death.
Dr. Wen remarked that the study also found notable trends in inhalant use among younger adolescents, particularly those aged 12 to 13. This age group demonstrated higher usage rates compared to older teens, indicating that inhalants may be among the first substances experimented with due to their accessibility. The data revealed consistent links between inhalant use and other risky behaviours, including tobacco use and participation in fights.
Moreover, notable differences were observed across demographics. While boys and girls reported similar rates of inhalant use, females had higher odds of developing inhalant use disorder. In contrast, Black adolescents exhibited lower odds of past-year inhalant use compared to their White counterparts, whereas Native American adolescents had higher odds of developing inhalant use disorder.
Parents and guardians are encouraged to be vigilant, looking for signs such as chemical odors, empty containers, mood changes, or declining school performance, as these could indicate inhalant misuse. Dr. Wen advised that conversations about the dangers of inhalants should be distinct and grounded in factual information, rather than vague warnings.
As social media continues to influence adolescent behaviour, experts assert the need for increased awareness and open dialogues within families to combat this pressing public health issue.
