14.12.2012 Views

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

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

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

SHOW MORE
SHOW LESS

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

YUMPU automatically turns print PDFs into web optimized ePapers that Google loves.

focus groups with solvent abusers. In additi<strong>on</strong>, numerous interviews and<br />

focus groups with treatment pr<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>essi<strong>on</strong>als were c<strong>on</strong>ducted. The focus<br />

groups for pr<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>essi<strong>on</strong>als centered <strong>on</strong> (1) characteristics unique to volatile<br />

solvent abusers, (2) methods used that were effective, (3) methods that<br />

proved ineffective, (4) obstacles to treatment, (5) what resources are used<br />

most <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>ten, and (6) what needs still are unmet. Focus groups for clients<br />

were more general in nature, allowing open discussi<strong>on</strong> regarding first use,<br />

transiti<strong>on</strong> to chr<strong>on</strong>ic use, patterns <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> use, the preventi<strong>on</strong> efforts they had<br />

encountered, and treatment methods that worked most effectively for<br />

them. Combining the existing research base with the experiential<br />

knowledge <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> treatment providers and patients has led to at least a<br />

beginning body <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> knowledge regarding treatment approaches to solvent<br />

abuse treatment. The comments put forth here pertain mostly to the<br />

characteristics and treatment needs <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> young solvent abusers, but it must<br />

be recognized that there are a substantial number <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> adults who also are in<br />

need <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> treatment. Unfortunately, very little is known about this group <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />

adult users since they <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>ten are a “hidden populati<strong>on</strong>” in that few, if any,<br />

treatment centers have c<strong>on</strong>sistent process and outcome data from a<br />

solvent-specific treatment program for these adult users. They can be<br />

difficult to access because they may become transient or homeless due to<br />

their using behaviors and frequently are ostracized by other drug users.<br />

BACKGROUND<br />

Solvent use has been problematic for quite some time. With the changes<br />

in industrial and household chemistry in recent years, however, many<br />

new solvents have been developed in resp<strong>on</strong>se to the demands <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> quickly<br />

advancing technology. The majority <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> these substances have the<br />

potential to cause a variety <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> toxic effects (Nicholi 1983; Rosenberg and<br />

Sharp 1992). Most <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the chemicals are widely available and quite<br />

accessible to people <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> any age. While many States do recognize the<br />

danger presented by these chemicals and have either made or are in the<br />

process <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> making abuse <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> these chemicals and the sale <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> them to<br />

minors an illegal activity, it essentially is impossible to eliminate access<br />

to volatile solvents.<br />

Solvent abuse can occur at any age, but most generally occurs in late<br />

childhood or early adolescence. Availability and accessibility <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>ten are<br />

cited as two major reas<strong>on</strong>s underlying the choice <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> solvents (Beauvais<br />

1986). Certainly these two factors create an unlimited envir<strong>on</strong>ment for<br />

initial and c<strong>on</strong>tinued use. However, many youth, in treatment indicate<br />

251

Hooray! Your file is uploaded and ready to be published.

Saved successfully!

Ooh no, something went wrong!