Alaska Students Participate in Open Forum

During National Inhalant Abuse Awareness Day

ANCHORAGE, Alaska, Oct. 15 /PRNewswire/ -- Alaska students listened to first-hand accounts of the dangers of inhalant abuse at an open forum today sponsored by Alaska Sen. Frank Murkowski and D.A.R.E. America, the leading worldwide drug and violence prevention education program.

The forum was held at Romig Middle School as part of a statewide observance of National Inhalant Abuse Awareness Day. A pep rally was held at which students signed a pledge board promising to be inhalant-free. Following a presentation featuring Sen. Murkowski, Sgt. Bob Sanders, Alaska state D.A.R.E. coordinator, and several students who are recovering from addictions to inhalants, there was an open forum for students to ask questions of the panel.

As part of National Inhalant Abuse Awareness Day, teachers throughout the state were encouraged to discuss inhalant abuse with students of all ages between noon and 1 p.m.

"Inhalants are a serious problem not only in Alaska, but across the country. Many adults -- and most kids -- simply do not understand how dangerous, damaging, and deadly inhalants really are," said Glenn Levant, President and Founding Director of D.A.R.E. America. "D.A.R.E. is proud to join Senator Murkowski in promoting awareness of inhalant abuse and participating in the day to help the children of Alaska live drug-free, violence-free lives."

Although the problem affects students throughout the U.S., inhalant abuse is even more common in Alaska. Nationally, 17 percent of high school students admit experimenting with inhalants, compared to 22 percent in Alaska.

"I don't think people realize what a serious problem this is," said Murkowski. "These products are inexpensive, legal, and can be found in almost any home."

Children as young as elementary school age sniff toxic substances such as cleaning solvents, correction fluid, paints, gasoline and glue. Use of inhalants can cause permanent brain damage, hearing loss, damage to bone marrow, liver and kidneys and death. Sudden Sniffing Death (SSD) can occur on the first use of inhalants.

"Inhalants are a tremendous problem in Alaska villages and reaching kids at a young age is not only important, it's a matter of life and death," said Sanders.

Founded in 1983 in Los Angeles, D.A.R.E. is the leading drug and violence prevention education program worldwide. D.A.R.E. is offered in all 50 states and will reach 35 million students in 44 countries in 1998.