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

Anecdotal information suggests that the long-term use <strong>of</strong> inhalants has a
serious impact on the physical and psychological well-being <strong>of</strong> children
living in the streets (Gisbert et al. 1991). The long-term use <strong>of</strong> inhalants
has been found to lead to a reduction in personal inhibitions, fears, and
emotional instability. It affects sleep patterns, leading to hallucinations
and anxiety attacks. Many <strong>of</strong> the youngsters who use inhalants are
mistreated and psychically abused by adults and their friends (Ardaya and
Domic 1991).
The data from other studies showed the rate <strong>of</strong> inhalant use to range from
a low lifetime prevalence <strong>of</strong> 3.0 percent in the Consejo Nacional De
Prevención 1992 national survey to a high <strong>of</strong> 12.6 percent in the survey
conducted by La Cruz Roja in 1986 on the drug-using behaviors <strong>of</strong>
individuals ages 10-24 living in the city <strong>of</strong> La Paz. Overall, inhalants
appear to be the most prevalent substances <strong>of</strong> abuse after alcohol,
tobacco, marijuana, and coca paste.
FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH INHALANT USE AMONG
CHILDREN LIVING IN THE STREETS
Data from several studies have indicated that street children are more
likely than children not living in the street to have low self-esteem
(Montes 1987; Perotto and Baldivieso 1994; Rodriguez Rabanal 1989;
Todd 1983). According to the authors, these children <strong>of</strong>ten commit
criminal acts, get involved in fights, or display other antisocial behaviors
as ways <strong>of</strong> dealing with their low self-image. They <strong>of</strong>ten are unable to
show warmth and attachment toward other individuals fearing that, if
they do, they will be viewed as weak individuals.
Generally, children living in the streets come from families in which there
is a significant amount <strong>of</strong> violence, including child abuse, and parental
drug use (Gisbert et al. 1991). Often these children are treated like adults,
being forced to seek employment in order to provide income for their
families. Most <strong>of</strong> the families live in extreme poverty, unable to provide
the necessities needed by these children to survive. Many <strong>of</strong> the children
do not receive adequate health care (i.e., vaccinations and physical
exams) and, as a result, are confronted with a myriad <strong>of</strong> health problems
and illnesses as they grow older (Ardaya and Domic 1991).
Faced with a lack <strong>of</strong> emotional and financial support from the family and
aware that they may have to survive on their own, many <strong>of</strong> these youth
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