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

THE NEED FOR MORE RESEARCH ON INHALANT ABUSE
Because <strong>of</strong> the social and cultural factors that influence the abuse <strong>of</strong>
drugs in general and inhalants in particular, it is likely that there are
distinguishable differences in the patterns <strong>of</strong> inhalant abuse within
Nigeria and between African countries. For example, in Nigeria, it seems
that the abuse <strong>of</strong> inhalants (and stimulants) is more prevalent in the
northern part <strong>of</strong> the country. Northern Nigeria predominantly is Muslim,
while the South predominantly is Christian. There is need for research to
shed more light on regional and cultural differences in drug abuse within
the country.
Apart from this, there are many other unanswered questions concerning
inhalant abuse that require research attention at present. What, for
example, are the social and familial factors associated with inhalant
abuse? Do adolescents who use organic solvents use them in
combination with other drugs ? What are the consequences <strong>of</strong> inhalant
abuse? Do young people in some occupations (e.g., vulcanizers and
carpenters) abuse inhalants more than others? These questions should
guide the direction <strong>of</strong> future research on inhalant abuse in Africa. In
order to answer them satisfactorily, surveys <strong>of</strong> student populations will
have to be supplemented with collaborative studies with special groups
and the general populations in different regions <strong>of</strong> African countries.
PREVENTION AND TREATMENT OF INHALANT AND OTHER
DRUG ABUSE
In general, the treatment <strong>of</strong> alcohol and other drug-dependent persons in
Nigeria is fraught with problems. First, the availability <strong>of</strong> manpower and
facilities is grossly inadequate. A survey by the World Health
Organization (1991) <strong>of</strong> mental health practitioners and facilities in the
country showed a total <strong>of</strong> 28 psychiatric care facilities with about 3,000
beds. Listed as staff in these facilities were 44 psychiatrists, 15 clinical
psychologists, and 11 social workers. Even though most mental health
care workers were involved in the management <strong>of</strong> drug-dependent
persons, only three hospitals had special facilities for the treatment <strong>of</strong>
these patients.
A more recent survey (Ohaeri and Odejide 1993) supports this picture <strong>of</strong>
the lack <strong>of</strong> availability <strong>of</strong> psychiatric care facilities in Nigeria. In 28
facilities visited by the researchers (13 in the north and 15 in the south),
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