It's adults who should know better

The revelation that since 2001 there have been at least 30 deaths related to the substance abuse inhaling practice known as huffing, should not have taken authorities by surprise. This information has been collected in various forms by a range of government agencies over the years, but there has been no leadership or any move towards a cohesive plan of action.

The recent life-threatening burn injuries to two young southern men huffing volatile gases has now pushed the issue into the headlines, with the Chief Coroner declaring the need for a specific inquiry. I understand Judge MacLean's frustration. The Wellington Coroner attempted to prompt a response with recommendations made following an earlier huffing fatality in March of this year, but here we are again, shaking our heads at another incident.

Where are the meetings between health officials, science experts, Ministry of Youth Affairs, Ministry of Consumer Affairs and retailers to define how risky products can be effectively regulated, redesigned or restricted to reduce the potential harm from abuse?

Developing an effective risk reduction and prevention strategy for these products is possible but it requires a concerted, combined effort from all the key players.

Discussion with a major local retailer about their approach shows there is already an ability to limit access to some specific products. Some retailers set conditions around the sale of propellant-based spray paints. To reduce access by potential graffiti offenders, these products are kept under lock and key and purchasers must show ID to prove they are over the age of 18.

This policy has given the retailer the ability to legally exercise some discretion, including the right to refuse sale. A similar approach could be one strand in a concerted strategy to reducing access to potential sources of "huffing".

Of course, there are a lot of holes in this approach. As with alcohol, many young people get older people to front and do the buying for them, and there are limits to retail staffs' ability to make a judgment call on whether the sale of potential inhalants is for legitimate or risk use.

I understand that many solvents are now water-based, eliminating the principal harmful components.

The difficulty with substance abuse is that the product of choice constantly shifts and changes, depending on price, availability and fashion.

The underlying question of why many young people resort to using potentially lethal "highs" needs close national attention. But it is important to maintain perspective and not be distracted. It is too easy to blame and denigrate youth behaviour without considering the bigger picture. Research released yesterday shows men aged over 50 drink 28 per cent of the nation's alcohol, whereas males aged 18-24 yrs consume only 8.3 per cent. The alcohol risk for young people lies more with the tendency to binge at weekends, but it is critical to keep this in mind before blaming all the problems on the "yoof".

Suicide and car crashes are the visible tip of an iceberg that signals all is not well with many young people. We also need to acknowledge and support the majority of young people who do successfully assess and negotiate risk and do act to safeguard themselves and their friends.

The big task for us as the "grown-ups" is to remember that the responsibility for much of the damage evident in the lives of many children and young people lies with the behaviour of adults - who should know better.

Terry Sarten is a parent, writer, musician and Social Worker. Email feedback: tgs@inspire.net.nz