The video, which shows a young boy repeatedly sniffing solvent from a plastic bag has been viewed over 30,000 times, and has alarmed netizens all over the country.
Sadly, solvent abuse in the Philippines is a common problem, especially among younger children since solvents can easily be acquired through illegal means.
Solvent abuse can also cause permanent brain damage and bodily harm, and the effects are amplified immensely for young children.
Drug abuse is still an ongoing issue
In the Philippines, drug abuse is one of the leading causes of crime. And for the poverty-stricken Filipinos, solvent abuse is one of the most common forms of drug abuse.
According to statistics, kids and teens from 8-20 are the most common users of solvent. They say that sniffing solvent helps them alleviate their hunger and to deal with their state in life. Kids who abuse solvents are commonly known as ‘rugby boys’ due to the fact that they sniff a type of solvent glue called ‘rugby’.
In most cases, these young kids commit crimes such as theft in order to support their addiction. Getting ‘high’ from solvent abuse also makes them more brazen when it comes to the crimes that they commit.
Solvent abuse has a lot of health risks
Inhaling solvents can have a lot of health risks. In addition to long-term brain damage, it can also cause the following problems:
- Nausea
- Problems with vision
- Reduced brain size
- Kidney damage
- Liver damage
- Tuberculosis
- Hallucination
Stopping solvent abuse, and drug abuse in general, is also a part of our responsibility. As Filipinos, we need to take care of each other and do our best to help out everyone in need.
We can help out by contributing to rehabilitation centers, volunteering our time and effort to worthwhile causes that eradicate poverty and drug abuse, as well as extending our assistance to people who need our help.
Helping out other people also sets a good example for children, and will inspire them to be more caring and understanding of other people around them. Developing a culture of love and support is very important for their development.
Watch the video below:
Source: gmanetwork.com, healthtalkbuzz.com, urban75.com
READ: Celebrities appeal to youth to steer clear of drugs amid country’s alarming drug problem
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