Volatile solvent use among western Australian adolescents

Semistructured interviews were conducted with 40 adolescents who reported i nhaling volatile solvents. Their average age was 14.2 years, and they used a range of substances. All were aware of the short-term health risks involv ed in volatile solvent use, and most reported experiencing ill effects, suc h as headaches and vomiting. Users were found to be organized into groups a nd peer networks, which often were involved in theft, prostitution, and oth er risk-taking behaviors. More chronic users had higher status within the g roup. Suggestions pertaining to intervention were obtained, and these are d iscussed in light of the findings.