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

<strong>Epidemiology</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Inhalant</strong> <strong>Abuse</strong>
in Mexico
Maria Elena Medina-Mora and Shoshana Berenzon
INTRODUCTION
Inhalation <strong>of</strong> substances with psychotropic effects is and has been, after
tobacco and alcohol, the major drug problem in Mexico. <strong>Inhalant</strong>s are
the substances most commonly abused by children and adolescents, but
they occupy second place in the general population. In 1976, abuse <strong>of</strong>
inhalants was most prevalent among youngsters from the low
socioeconomic level, but by 1980 it became popular in all social classes,
with no differences in the rates <strong>of</strong> use. Though it is a class <strong>of</strong> drug used
mainly at younger ages, an increase in the age <strong>of</strong> users is being noted,
mainly among employees and seasonal workers and those working in the
informal economy.
First use <strong>of</strong> these substances occurs at an age earlier than that observed
for other substances. When compared to users <strong>of</strong> other drugs, males
outnumber females, and users are significantly younger and come from a
lower socioeconomic level, as inferred by the school status <strong>of</strong> the head <strong>of</strong>
the family.
Students who report the use <strong>of</strong> solvents frequently are arrested and
present more antisocial behavior compared to users <strong>of</strong> all other illegal
drugs. They are similar to cocaine users, though inhalers more <strong>of</strong>ten
steal; however, cocaine users present more violent behavior and get
involved in selling drugs more <strong>of</strong>ten than inhalers.
The first data documenting inhalants as a substance <strong>of</strong> abuse comes from
the 1960s. Since the beginning <strong>of</strong> the 1970s inhalant abuse has been
included as part <strong>of</strong> prevention and treatment programs. In spite <strong>of</strong> this,
use seems to be growing. It is the purpose <strong>of</strong> this chapter to review the
epidemiology and prevention policies related to inhalant abuse in
Mexico.
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