‘Save your kids from inhalant abuse’

LUCKNOW: Keep solvents like nail polish removers, whiteners, spirit and petrol away from the reach of children for they may get attracted to it. That was the piece of advice de-addiction experts gave parents in the city on the eve of International Day Against Drug Abuse.
The recommendation assumes importance considering an increase in estimated prevalence of inhalant abuse in the city.The de-addition centre at psychiatry department of King George’s Medical University receives two cases of inhalants abuse every week.
“Easy availability, cheap price, faster onset of action and a regular ‘high’ makes inhalant a substance of abuse especially among the urban teenagers,” said Dr Shashwat Saxena.
“A parent noting any of these symptoms in their kids must step up vigilance to rule out addiction. They should also consult experts if need be,” suggested Dr S S Dhapola.
Child losing appetite or eating too much, losing weight, wanting to stay alone or behind closed doors, disliking social interaction, registering a dip in classroom performance, sleeping too much, asking for too much money and not being able to reason the expenditure were some warning signs parents should never ignore.
Narcotics Control Bureau Zonal director Madho Singh said, “NDPS Act does not have any provision to seize or book users of organic solvents.”
(With inputs from Khushboo Agrahari)