by KYW's medical editor Dr. Brian McDonough
One of the major concerns about drug abuse and teens is that many teenagers are turning to legal substances as drugs of abuse.
Rather than search out marijuana, cocaine or other illegal street drugs they are raiding the medicine cabinet at home, searching for pain medications or obtaining illegal prescription drugs.
Another major issue is a problem called huffing. This has rapidly become a popular method for teens to get high but there are many dangers, including brain damage.
It’s estimated that 1.1 million adolescents inhale lethal substances like freon and butane every year. In addition to brain damage, huffing can lead to kidney, lung, and bone problems, as well as an increased risk of heart attack and stroke.
There are certain telltale signs, including red or runny eyes, spots or sores around the mouth, chemical body odor, nausea, anxiety and stains on the body or clothing.
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