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Published on: July 10, 2017
Volatile substance misuse in Mexico: correlates and trends
Jorge A Villatoro1, Silvia L Cruz, Arturo Ortiz
1Dirección de Investigaciones Epidemiológicas y Psicosociales, Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatría Ramón de La Fuente, México, DF México.
Substance Use & Misuse
|May 26, 2011
Summary
Volatile substance misuse, primarily toluene, is prevalent in Mexican youth, starting at 12-14 years. Its use has increased among students, with marijuana and volatile substances becoming preferred drugs for females.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Substance Abuse Research
Background:
- Volatile substance misuse (VSM) presents a significant public health challenge globally.
- Understanding the trends and patterns of VSM in specific populations is crucial for effective intervention.
- Mexico has faced increasing concerns regarding substance misuse among adolescents and young adults.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the trends and prevalence of volatile substance misuse in Mexico from the 1980s to the present.
- To identify the primary substances used and demographic characteristics of individuals misusing volatile substances.
- To examine changes in VSM patterns, particularly among school-attending youth and females.
Main Methods:
- Data synthesis from national household surveys, school surveys, and epidemiological surveillance systems.
- Inclusion of data from studies focusing on special populations, such as street children.
- Analysis of substance preferences and age of initiation for volatile substance misuse.
Main Results:
- Volatile substance misuse typically initiates between 12-14 years of age.
- Prevalence rates are approximately 1% in the general population, 7% in high school students, and higher among street children.
- Toluene is the most commonly misused solvent, with varying preferences across different groups. VSM has notably increased among young people living with families and attending school.
- Marijuana and volatile substances are increasingly the drugs of choice for female high school students in Mexico.
Conclusions:
- Volatile substance misuse is a persistent issue in Mexico, with concerning trends among adolescents.
- Early initiation and increasing prevalence in school settings highlight the need for targeted prevention strategies.
- The shift in drug preference among female students warrants further investigation and tailored public health responses.
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