Inhalants are Drug of Choice in Early Adolescence, Report Says

A new report from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) says that inhalants trail only alcohol among the substances used by 12-year-olds to get high, Reuters reported March 11.

In fact, more 12-year-olds — 7 percent of those surveyed — said they have tried inhaling substances like gasoline and paint solvents for their intoxicating effects than have tried marijuana, cocaine, and hallucinogens combined.

Perceived risk of inhalant use has declined even has use rates have remained constant over the last few years, experts said. Inhalant use carries serious health risks, including brain damage and cardiac arrest.