Little Problem

[Auzzie 94]

One of my best mates has been abusing inhalants (petrol/gasoline). He has been sniffing petrol for a few months and has passed out unconscious from it before and I have heard that sniffing petrol can cause nerve damage and I know someone who has died from sniffing petrol too... knew the kid from high school, he died at 16. I am worried and I have no idea how to tell him I'm worried and I have no idea how I can pressure him into quitting or help him atleast try to quit. Any ideas? Please! I'm desperate, any advice!

[Kaius]

Sounds like its a bit more than just a little problem here mate. Honestly if he's not willing to stop or get help theres nothing you can really do about it, pressuring him definitely won't help and its likely to push him away from you leaving you even smaller chance to help. The best thing to do is inform a teacher, parent or trusted adult about it and let them sort it out because theres really not too much you can personally do if he's not willing.

[Auzzie 94]

He's almost 20... No contact with parents or any other family members except his sister who's a single Mum.. I don't know if she knows and I don't want to add to her stress.. should I let her know? I'm kind of stuck, no idea what to do and it's really getting to me. I can't really help but then again I can't just sit here and do nothing man

[ImCoolBeans]

I think you should have a talk with him about it, but don't be too pushy because he'll resent it. You definitely should tell his sister what's going on because she can do a lot more in this situation than a friend.

[CuriousDestruction]

Mike's right. if that's the situation the best thing you can do is tell him you are concerned as his friend and don't want him to hurt himself. and getting his sister's support is really a good idea. siblings can really help. I just recommend you be there to support him, not to push him yet. just let him know you care.

you can also ask him to see a therapist or something along those lines. they can provide professional support and methods to help him.

[Auzzie 94]

Cheers guys, I'll get in touch with his sister and see how it goes. I'll post back when something happens. Thanks alot

[Jdawg91]

While it may never work,try to talk to him in a humane nature about the mental and physical consequences of inhalants, reassure him of what he could loose if it gets even more dangerous.

[Auzzie 94]

Talked to his sister, she said she already knew but hasn't told anyone and has offered to go with him to take him to the community health centre (they deal with addictions, mental health issues etc)... but he's refused and she doesn't know what to do. Luckily for her brother's sake she has a friend who recovered from coke addiction and she's going to try help out and give her some advice and recommend a few people and places.. I feel relieved in a way but still I feel pretty F'ed up knowing I can't really do anything.... I really want to do something but I can't :\

[Abyssal Echo]

I think you should have a talk with him about it, but don't be too pushy because he'll resent it. You definitely should tell his sister what's going on because she can do a lot more in this situation than a friend.

I agree with I'm Cool Beans do tell his sister do talk 2 him tell him how u feel. don't get pushy or try and put pressure on him 2 quit.