A LONGITUDINAL-STUDY OF INHALANT USE - IMPLICATIONS FOR TREATMENT ANDPREVENTION

A total of 175 Mexican American youth aged 15-17 when they entered a d rug prevention program during 1981-1985 were followed up 4 years later . More frequent pre-admission use of inhalant drugs was associated wit h higher levels of alcohol use, legal problems, and cognitive function ing problems during the same period, as well as more negative outcomes at follow-up. Inhalant use declined over time, but use of other drugs , especially cocaine, increased. Peer, family, and cultural influences on follow-up outcomes were examined.