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

Curiosity is the most popular motivating factor for initial use <strong>of</strong> inhalants.
These substances were chosen primarily because <strong>of</strong> their easy availability,
low cost, rapid onset <strong>of</strong> effect, and their convenient packaging in small
containers that easily can be concealed. In Korea, solvent abuse is a
particular threat to children and adolescents living in poverty.
Butane gas and glues containing toluene are the most popular inhalant
and solvent in Korea. They are sold widely and can be purchased easily
over the counter. <strong>Abuse</strong>rs commonly inhale butane using the gas can and
a plastic bag and use tubes to inhale glues.
The use <strong>of</strong> inhalants and solvents <strong>of</strong>ten is the first step along a route to
the use <strong>of</strong> other drugs such as dextromethorphan hydrobromide and
benzalkonium chloride.
Antidrug and harmful chemical campaigns targeted at adolescents and
middle and high school students have been carried out. The Korean
Government has provided special education to middle and high school
teachers for prevention <strong>of</strong> inhalant and solvent abuse.
Individuals using glues or thinners for purpose <strong>of</strong> hallucination and
stimulation or selling these chemical substances can be charged under the
Harmful Chemical Control Law. This includes substances such as
toluene, ethyl acetate, and methyl alcohol.
Singapore
<strong>Inhalant</strong> abuse first was detected in Singapore in 1979. It has become a
serious problem in the last decade (Singapore Anti-Narcotics Association
1988). Data on inhalant abusers are compiled by the Central Registry <strong>of</strong>
Drug <strong>Abuse</strong>rs. In 1980, when monitoring began, 24 inhalant abusers
were detected. This figure rose sharply to 763 in 1984 and to 1,112 in
1987; the total number <strong>of</strong> abusers was 3,610 over the 8-year period
(figure 1). A steep decline was reported in 1988 to 648, compared to the
previous year. A gradual decline was observed from 1989 to 1992. In
the early part <strong>of</strong> 1993 (January-May), only 101 cases were reported
(Central Narcotics Bureau, unpublished data).
This upward trend since the early 1980s to a peak in 1987 could be a
result <strong>of</strong> increased efforts in detection. This also may suggest a genuine
increase in the problem <strong>of</strong> inhalant abuse during that period as narcotic
addicts resorted to inhalant use as a substitute because <strong>of</strong> the stringent
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