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

inhalant use spanning the different maturational periods <strong>of</strong> a person,
beginning in early infancy and progressing through all stages <strong>of</strong>
adulthood. Using this longitudinal approach, researchers can explore the
impact that such factors as family dysfunction, peer pressure, lack <strong>of</strong>
economic opportunity, gender, community factors, and larger societal
factors have upon the onset <strong>of</strong> inhalant use, casual use, escalation to
abuse, maintenance, development <strong>of</strong> dependence, cessation <strong>of</strong> abuse, and
relapse.
Evaluation-driven research that will investigate the efficacy <strong>of</strong> schooland
community-based prevention programs in preventing inhalant use
and abuse also is needed. Whenever possible, these evaluation studies
should be theory driven, not just an evaluation <strong>of</strong> an existing prevention
program. Similarly, there is a need for research that will evaluate the
impact <strong>of</strong> treatment programs and governmental policies geared toward
reducing the use <strong>of</strong> inhalants among chronic inhalant abusers. Studies <strong>of</strong>
this type should seek to evaluate what treatment models or approaches are
the most cost-effective. This research also should focus on evaluating the
effectiveness <strong>of</strong> Government policies to reduce the supply <strong>of</strong> solvents and
nitrites in various countries throughout the world.
<strong>Inhalant</strong> use and abuse is a serious drug problem worldwide. Recent
research advances in the United States and other countries have begun to
provide initial information on the extent and nature <strong>of</strong> this problem.
Efforts undertaken by various countries to prevent and treat inhalant use
and abuse also demonstrate a serious intent to address this problem
worldwide. Nevertheless, researchers currently lack data to understand
comprehensively the magnitude and nature <strong>of</strong> inhalant use worldwide.
More empirically based information is needed to develop effective
intervention strategies and policies to address this problem. While
current findings on the nature and extent <strong>of</strong> inhalant abuse are limited, an
almost universal theme emerges regardless <strong>of</strong> country or region <strong>of</strong> the
world: The population at greatest risk are the young, disadvantaged, and
disenfranchised. The circumstances that have made this marginalized
population uniquely vulnerable to inhalant abuse and its severe
consequences also have made the need for research efforts and successful
interventions all the more urgent.
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