NCJ Number
115033
Date Published
1989
Length
24 pages
Annotation
This chapter provides an overview of the prevalence, nature, methods, effects, user profiles, and management of volatile substance abuse, which involves the inhalation of volatile hydrocarbons contained in solvents.
Abstract
After a brief review of the prevalence of such abuse, this chapter profiles abusers in terms of age, sex, race, and socioeconomic factors. A discussion of the products used in solvent abuse and their principal components is followed by a review of the practice and method of inhalation and a discussion of the typologies of volatile solvent abuse. An overview of the effects of such abuse encompasses the solvents' mode of action, subjective effects, tolerance and independence, academic performance, and relationship with other types of drug use. Other abuse effects considered are the physical sequelae of solvent misuse, psychiatric morbidity, accidents, antisocial behavior, and mortality. The role of the laboratory in the investigation of solvent abuse is addressed together with the prevention of solvent misuse. A discussion of the management of volatile substance abuse notes that the problem is best addressed by general practitioners, community physicians, social and youth workers, and the appropriate unit of the police. Health education, improved recreational facilities, and help to disorganized families have been effective. 87 references.