Inhalant, Marijuana, and Alcohol Abuse among Barrio Children and Adolescents

Abstract

Prevalence of inhalant, marihuana and alcohol abuse was studied in a sample of 457 male and female Mexican-American children and adolescents between the ages of 9-17 yr. Subjects interviewed resided in 4 housing projects located in east Los Angeles, California, USA. All interviews were conducted by adolescents who resided in the same housing projects. Compared to a national sample, Mexican-American adolescents were at least 14 times more likely to be currently abusing inhalants. The prevalence rate of marihuana was double the national rate, but the prevalence of alcohol was equal to that found nationally. Reasons for elevated substance abuse rates are explored.