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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

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