Inhalants as Intermediate Drugs Between Legal and Illegal Drugs Among Middle and High School Students

• NCJ Number: 243674
• Journal: Journal of Addictive Diseases Volume: 32 Issue: 2 Dated: April - June 2013 Pages: 217-226
• Author(s): Zila M. Sanchez, Ph.D.; Luciana A. Ribeiro, M.Sc.; Yone G. Moura, M.Sc.; Ana R. Noto, Ph.D.; Silvia S. Martins, M.D., Ph.D.
• Date Published: April 2013
• Length: 10 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

The aims of this study are to: (1) describe the prevalence and sociodemographic characteristics of inhalant use among middle and high school students in Brazil, and (2) test the hypothesis of inhalants being intermediate drugs between legal and illegal drug use.

Abstract

The aims of this study are to: (1) describe the prevalence and sociodemographic characteristics of inhalant use among middle and high school students in Brazil, and (2) test the hypothesis of inhalants being intermediate drugs between legal and illegal drug use. A representative sample of 5,226 students from private schools in São Paulo, Brazil, was selected to answer a self-report questionnaire. Weighted data was analyzed through Cox proportional hazards models. In the overall sample, inhalants seems to be an intermediate drug, since prior inhalant initiation was associated with first marijuana use, adjusted for previous alcohol and tobacco initiation. Abstract published by arrangement with Taylor and Francis.