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Adolescent inhalant abuse: environments of use
E L McGarvey1, G J Clavet, W Mason
1Department of Psychiatric Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville 22908, USA. rel8s@virginia.edu
The American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse
|November 5, 1999
Summary
Adolescents in juvenile facilities frequently use inhalants, with gasoline and Freon being common. White and other ethnic groups report higher use than Black youths, with a median age of 13 for first-time use.
Area of Science:
- Adolescent Health
- Substance Abuse Research
- Criminology
Background:
- Inhalant use is a significant public health concern among adolescents.
- Understanding patterns of inhalant abuse in justice-involved youth is crucial for targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence, patterns, and correlates of inhalant use among adolescents in juvenile correctional facilities.
- To identify specific substances, usage methods, and social contexts associated with inhalant abuse in this population.
Main Methods:
- A questionnaire survey was administered to 285 consecutively recruited adolescents in Virginia juvenile correctional facilities.
- The Inhalant Use Questionnaire was used to gather data on demographics, usage patterns, substances, and social contexts.
Main Results:
- Inhalant use was reported by a significant proportion of adolescents, with notable ethnic disparities (White: 36.1%, Other: 44.4%, Black: 1.4%).
- The median age for first-time inhalant use was 13 years, with 27% experimenting and 27% being heavy users.
- Gasoline (57.4%), Freon (40.45%), and butane lighter fluid (38.3%) were the most commonly used inhalants; huffing was the preferred method (60%).
- Inhalant use occurred frequently with friends (52%) and in various locations, including friends' homes (68%) and at home (54%).
- No significant gender differences were found in age of onset, frequency, or method of inhalant use.
Conclusions:
- Inhalant abuse is prevalent among adolescents in juvenile correctional facilities, with specific ethnic and demographic patterns.
- Intervention strategies should address common substances, usage methods, and social influences, particularly peer presence.
- Further research is needed to explore the underlying factors contributing to these disparities and to develop effective prevention and treatment programs.