DR. WALLACE: I've heard that inhalants are the safest way to get high. Is this true? What are inhalants? — James, Oklahoma City, OK.
JAMES: Inhalants are chemicals that, when breathed, produce psychoactive (mind altering) effects. Most inhalants have no medical use but are used routinely in the performance of everyday industrial or household tasks. There are two major inhalants used by unwise humans. They are solvents, including the fumes of certain liquids including paint thinners, gasoline and nail polish remover, and aerosols, which include anything that is sprayed and comes in an aerosol can.
When a person is high on an inhalant, the behavior is almost the same as being intoxicated on alcohol. But inhalant use can cause serious health complications, even death. Sometimes, to get a greater amount of inhalant more quickly into their systems, users place a plastic bag over their head. This is successful to maximize the effect, but, unfortunately, the person can easily lose consciousness and die from a lack of oxygen. Inhalant users can also die when their lungs become coated with inhalant and oxygen cannot penetrate the gooey film. The resulting lack of oxygen causes death in a manner similar to suffocation. Research has shown that many inhalants cause the human heart to beat irregularly or even stop entirely during strenuous activity.
The safest way to get high is to enjoy nature, love your family, and spend time with friends who inspire you to reach your goals. Any substance that causes a person to alter his or her normal behavior should be avoided.
If you were considering experimenting with inhalants - don't! While others may describe themselves as "high," what is actually happening is that their brains are shutting down. It's hard enough getting through this life when our brains are functioning properly. We don't need to have our brains "shutting down" for any reason, especially a self-inflicted one!
MOMS DECISON IS CORRECT
DR. WALLACE: I'm a 14-year-old girl. I get good grades and I earn money by babysitting for two families. I use the money I earn to buy clothes and I also spend it in other ways. I'm not required to save any of my earnings and I'm fortunate for that. I need to use every dollar that I earn.
Last week I went to a department store with my mom because I wanted to buy a jacket that was lightweight. I found one that was perfect for me, but my mom wouldn't let me buy it because she felt it looked too similar to for jackets worn by gang members that have recently been on the news in our neighborhood. But their jackets have a black set of crossbones on the left front of the jacket.
Of course, my silver jacket wouldn't have anything added. I'm not the type of girl who likes pink or pastel colors, and silver was perfect for me. I earned my money and should have the privilege to pick out the clothes that I want to wear. I could understand if my mom was saying no because the clothes I wanted were too revealing, but not because of the color. Do you agree with my mom or me? — Shopper, via email
SHOPPER: In this case, I agree with your mother's decision. Since silver is the color selected by the local gangs, it's best to avoid it. Don't take a chance that some could think you are a gang member because you're wearing a similar silver jacket.
Dr. Robert Wallace welcomes questions from readers. Although he is unable to reply to all of them individually, he will answer as many as possible in this column. E-mail him at [email protected]. To find out more about Dr. Robert Wallace and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.
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