Where
do inhalers use?
Research shows that 52% of
youths reported using inhalants with friends present, whereas 34% used inhalants
when they were alone (McGarvey, 1999). Sites where youths reported inhalant use
include:
- at a friend’s home
(68%),
- at their own home (54%),
- on the street (40%),
- at parties (28%),
- on school grounds (26%),
and
- at school (18%).
Researchers categorize
people who abuse substances on the basis of length of abuse and whether they
use such substances alone or in the presence of others (Cobaugh, 1999).
Transient abusers have
a short-term history of abuse:
- Transient social abusers
tend to be preteens or teenagers who use substances in the presence of others.
Legal problems include minor offenses while intoxicated.
- Transient isolate abusers
are in the same age group but tend to abuse solvents while alone. This group
is unlikely to have legal problems.
Chronic abusers have
used for years.
- Chronic social abusers
tend to be in their 20’s and 30’s and have used substances in the
presence of other for years. Legal problems include misdemeanors.
- Chronic isolate abusers
are in the same age group, but abuse drugs while alone. Legal problems include
significant offenses including assaults.
Chronic abusers of inhalants
usually starting using inhalants early in life, but instead of moving on to
other drugs, choose a certain inhalant as their drug of choice. For example,
they may choose to use only gold spray paint.
Instant
Feedback:
Inhalers
most frequently prefer to use alone.