QUESTION: Our adolescent son has taken to retiring to his room and spending much time alone.
He also has begun to act funny, spaced out, and finally over my protests, his father searched his rooms for drugs.
All we found were some gray tubes that look like the ones used to put bubbles in water, for making sodas.
Does this mean anything? We are desperate for some information and hope you will help us.
ANSWER: You were right in seeking answers for unusual behavior by searching the room of your son.
Forget the guilt feelings, as you have found an important clue that may help you counsel your son, and indeed, may save his life.
You have discovered cylinders of nitrous oxide, or Whippets, which are used by many adolescents to gain a high.
This gas has a legitimate use as a pre-ignition booster in auto racing, or as a propellant for whipping cream, but is also frequently abused to provide a quick "hit", by inhaling the gas either directly from the cylinder or from a balloon which has been inflated with the nitrous oxide.
The intoxication can generate a feeling of exhilaration, lightheadedness and hallucinations.
The abuser's senses become distorted, gradually become lost and with continued inhalation, a loss of consciousness may occur.
The high rapidly disappears as normal room air or oxygen is breathed, but prolonged exposure to the gas can result in coma, seizures and even death.
When this gas is used, many of the skills and senses needed for safe driving become impaired, accidents can occur with the real cause going undetected.
In the long run both the bone marrow and nervous system can become affected.
Your course of action is clear.
You must confront your son with your find, in a considerate and nondamning fashion, offering him professional guidance rather than recriminations.
Inhalant abuse is serious and dangerous, and you must act accordingly.
You took a courageous first step; now follow through, in the best interests of your son and family.
The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace the counsel and advice of your personal physician.
Promptly consulting your doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical problem.
