Epidemiology of Inhalant Abuse - Archives - National Institute on ...

<strong>Inhalant</strong> <strong>Abuse</strong>: A Hungarian
Review
Eva Katona
A major objective <strong>of</strong> this chapter is to draw attention to the need for
more scientific research on drug epidemiology—especially on volatile
substance abuse—in order to obtain a better understanding <strong>of</strong> the issue
and, consequently, to set up prevention and intervention programs. This
chapter first introduces the drug scene in Hungary, then reviews
Hungarian research in the field, and finally presents available data on
inhalant abuse patterns and trends and the psychosocial background and
characteristics <strong>of</strong> inhalant abusers, focusing on local-regional variability.
THE DRUG SCENE IN HUNGARY
Hungary lacks reliable epidemiologic data on drug abuse in general
because <strong>of</strong> the scarcity <strong>of</strong> trained pr<strong>of</strong>essionals and limited resources.
Moreover, confusion in the field arises due to differing use <strong>of</strong> concepts,
the conflicting interests that influence the acquisition <strong>of</strong> data, and the lack
<strong>of</strong> proper collection and processing <strong>of</strong> data (Forgacs and Katona 1990).
Based on statistics from police, criminal records, drug traffic statistics,
and the health care system, there are an estimated 20,000-30,000 drug
users out <strong>of</strong> a total national population <strong>of</strong> 10,310,179 (Central Office <strong>of</strong>
Statistics 1992). Hard core drugs (e.g., heroin and cocaine) are not yet
widespread, although Hungary is now in a transition phase and might
experience an explosive increase in drug-related problems because <strong>of</strong> a
more liberal foreign policy, tourism, and growing demand. Due to
Hungary’s geographic location, the country has become a transit site
between East and West, from the drug producer to the drug consumer.
This condition is exacerbated by the Yugoslavian civil war, as the socalled
Balkan Route <strong>of</strong> drug trafficking from the Middle East and Turkey
to the Western European countries crosses Hungary to avoid Yugoslavia.
An organized drug market exists, and there has been a growing supply <strong>of</strong>
drugs, evidenced from the quantity seized year by year (Interministerial
Drug Committee 1992).
The most common and frequent drugs <strong>of</strong> abuse are prescription drugs,
mainly codeine, tranquilizers, sedatives, and hypnotics, and they almost
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