Thursday, January 22, 1998

Abuse of inhalants

When we think of drugs, most of us think of marijuana, heroin and crack cocaine. But some of the most lethal drugs are far simpler and easier to obtain. They are in every home in the nation. Things such as felt-tip markers, white-out, lighter fluid, paint and cooking sprays are a few of the products that, when inhaled, have proven fatal.

Many young people abuse such products to get a quick high. Unfortunately, kids are not aware of the risks that come with this behavior. Each year hundreds of children die from inhalant abuse.

Inhalants are the third most abused substance among 12- to 14-year-olds in the United States, right behind alcohol and tobacco. As many as one in five children have "sniffed," "huffed" or "bagged" (inhaling the product intentionally) by the time they have reached the seventh grade but don't consider this "inhalant abuse" because these products are readily available, inexpensive and legal to purchase.

Those who abuse inhalants also put themselves at risk for permanent brain damage. Inhalant vapors react with the fatty tissues in the brain, literally dissolving them. Chronic inhalant abusers may permanently lose the ability to perform everyday tasks such as walking, talking and thinking.

If you suspect your child, or someone else, is using inhalants, please consult a school counselor, a drug counseling center or the Poison Center for help.

PAUL LOCKMAN

Panhandle Poison Center

Amarillo

Cost of Internet

Telephone companies have filed a proposal with the Federal Communication Commission to impose per-minute charges for your Internet service. They contend your usage has or will hinder the operation of the telephone network.

It is my belief that Internet usage will diminish if users are required to pay additional per-minute charges.

The FCC has created an e-mail box for your comments. Responses must be received by Feb. 13. Send your comments to isp@fcc.gov and tell them what you think.

Every phone company is in on this one, and they are trying to sneak it in just under the wire for litigation. Let everyone you know hear this. Get the e-mail address to everyone you can think of.

Also, there is the FCC at http://www.fcc.gov.

This litigation will certainly affect the number of hours you want to spend on the Internet, and it will truly be detrimental to a number of people who may be on fixed incomes. Perhaps if enough people respond, it won't happen.

I also think we should contact all major news services and let them hear our voices. Please help spread the word and send your comments off today.

BETTIE WIEGAND

Abilene

Via e-mail

No 'Aha' for her

I am also one of those parents who have been dealing with the attorney general's office for almost eight years. It has now been since July that I have heard from them. I have given up on ever receiving anything for my son.

When I read the letters to the editor from other parents having similar problems, I thought "Aha, at last! Other parents who are having the same problem!" But my excitement was short-lived. I have written to FACT (Fast Action for Children of Texas), the group you mentioned in a couple of articles, twice asking that they contact me either at home or at work. Well, same song, second verse; I have never been contacted by this organization.

I had hoped that maybe we were going to be able to bring about change, but it has been very disappointing to receive the same treatment from this organization that I have received from the attorney general's office.

KAMI FOWLER

Abilene