Hundreds of children have been undergoing counselling to get over their habit of sniffing substances or 'huffing'.The Guwahati Police Commissionerate has been running an operation to combat the drug menace in the state. But they are finding it difficult to combat the high rate of inhalant abuse as the 'sniffers' abuse everyday products like glue, paint, lighter fluid, fingernail polish, permanent markers, deodorants, etc.City police have been issuing advisories urging educational institutes, physical training centres and sports academies to assist in spreading awareness about inhalant substance abuse. "While this type of substance abuse may seem harmless because the products are not legally classified as drugs, they are deadly chemicals. An inhalant high may give the feeling of well-being and reduce inhibitions, much like the effects of alcohol and other sedatives," a city police advisory said. "Studies found that risk of substance abuse is relatively higher among those who had never been to school and common in those from a joint family when compared to others

Source: Times of India October 23, 2016 07:07 UTC