MANY YOUTH ADDICTED TO SNIFFING GLUE

One of the ironic tragedies of Nicaraguan poverty is that many children and teenagers are addicted to sniffing the glue used to repair shoes.

There is a reason for such substance abuse: Glue sniffing quells hunger pangs.

In Nicaragua, the euphoric narcotic is sold on the streets in baby food jars. A similar glue is available in the United States, but manufacturers add a pungent chemical to deter misuse. One sniff, and the user throws up.

But on the streets of Managua, teens open their baby food jars all day long.

-- Nathan Welton