Epidemiology of Inhalant Abuse - Archives - National Institute on ...
Epidemiology of Inhalant Abuse - Archives - National Institute on ...
Epidemiology of Inhalant Abuse - Archives - National Institute on ...
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them at least two to three times per week (D.V. Varela, pers<strong>on</strong>al<br />
communicati<strong>on</strong>, May 21, 1993).<br />
In the Philippines, inhalant abuse primarily is a peer-perpetuated activity.<br />
Peer influence represents a significant factor, particularly in initiating<br />
inhalant use. Furthermore, easy availability and affordable price are the<br />
other reas<strong>on</strong>s reported for starting and c<strong>on</strong>tinuing the use <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> such<br />
substances. In additi<strong>on</strong>, favorable effects experienced by the user such<br />
as “lightness,” numbness <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the whole being or body, absence <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> hunger<br />
pains, and fullness <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the stomach c<strong>on</strong>tribute to the c<strong>on</strong>tinued use <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
inhalants.<br />
Household glue is the most widely abused volatile substance. Other<br />
available volatile substances include nail polish remover, acet<strong>on</strong>e, paint,<br />
lacquer, thinner, floor polisher, insecticide spray, and gasoline. The most<br />
comm<strong>on</strong> methods <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> inhaling these substances is through the use <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
plastic bags (particularly for household glue) and use <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> rugs or cott<strong>on</strong><br />
cloth for such volatile substances as solvent and acet<strong>on</strong>e. There are<br />
instances when such substances are hand held and sniffed directly from<br />
the c<strong>on</strong>tainer.<br />
Most Filipino solvent abusers are polydrug abusers. Marijuana appears to<br />
be the favorite drug <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> abuse, followed by cough preparati<strong>on</strong>s. Alcohol<br />
and tobacco use also are very comm<strong>on</strong> am<strong>on</strong>g this group.<br />
Although there has been no medical research <strong>on</strong> the health effects <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
inhalant abuse in the Phillippines, the problem <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> inhalant abuse has<br />
become a serious cause <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> c<strong>on</strong>cern am<strong>on</strong>g those involved in the<br />
preventi<strong>on</strong> and c<strong>on</strong>trol <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> drug abuse. It has precipitated the<br />
establishment <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> more treatment facilities for inhalant-abusing street<br />
children. In Manila, there are three inpatient facilities operating in the<br />
city and accredited by the Dangerous Drugs Board that provide a home to<br />
street children. These programs provide residential care, social services,<br />
medical services, psychiatric and psychological services, educati<strong>on</strong>al and<br />
vocati<strong>on</strong>al training, sports and recreati<strong>on</strong> opportunities, talent development,<br />
job placement, and involvement in income-generating projects.<br />
Preventive approaches adopted include a nati<strong>on</strong>wide drug informati<strong>on</strong><br />
campaign that covered solvent-inhalant abuse and provided street-based<br />
counseling services. The Government, through the Department <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Social<br />
Welfare, has provided livelihood opportunities for street children who are<br />
inhalant abusers. Presidential Decree 1619, which was promulgated in<br />
38