Adolescent psychological health problems and delinquency among volatile substance users in a school sample in South London

Global issues in volatile substance misuse

This special issue of Substance Use & Misuse addresses the public health issue of volatile substance misuse (VSM), the inhalation of gases or vapors for psychoactive effects, assessing the similarities and differences in the products misused, patterns, prevalence, etiologies, and impacts of VSM by examining it through sociocultural epidemiology, neuroscience, and interventions research. The Canadian, US, and Australian guest editors contend that, when compared with other drugs used at a similar prevalence, VSM has attracted relatively little research effort. The authors and editors call for further research to develop evidence-based policies and comprehensive interventions that respect culture and context-specific knowledge.

Cannabis use in adolescents: the impact of risk and protective factors and social functioning

The study uses a school-based sample to test the social and familial risk and protective factors relating to cannabis use. Based on a self-completion survey of 2078 14-16-year-olds (mean age of 15 years) attending seven standard state-run secondary schools in south London, an assessment was made of rates and risk factors for cannabis use. Twenty-four per cent of the total sample had ever used cannabis, with 15% having done so in the month prior to assessment. In addition to greater likelihood of illicit drug use, lifetime cannabis users were less likely to spend time regularly with both their mothers and fathers, but more likely to spend free time with friends who smoked, drank alcohol and used illicit drugs, and with friends involved in criminal activities. Among those who had ever used cannabis, frequency of cannabis use was predicted (using linear regression) by two onset factors (earlier initiation of drinking and cannabis use were both linked to more frequent use) and two social factors (more time spent with drug-using friends and less time spent with the mother). Overall, the study showed that early onset, itself predicted by social networks, is linked to more frequent use of cannabis and that this appears to be sustained by less time spent with parents and more with drug-using peers.

Inhalant use and suicidality among incarcerated youth

Studies consistently indicate that inhalant use is associated with increased mental health problems in adolescents, but few investigations have focused on the potential relationship of inhalant use to suicidality (ideation or attempt). This study examined how different levels of volatile solvent use relate to suicidal ideation and attempted suicide among 723 incarcerated youth (mean age=15.5, S.D.=1.2; 87% male) in Missouri, and whether any associations between solvent use and suicidality differ by gender. In bivariate analyses, severity of inhalant use was positively associated with histories of suicidal ideation and suicide attempt for both boys and girls. In multivariate analyses, inhalant use disorders remained significantly associated with suicidal ideation and suicide attempt histories even after adjusting for general level of psychiatric symptoms, prior trauma, other substance use, gender, and additional potential confounders. Inhalant use without abuse or dependence also significantly related to suicidal ideation in multivariate analyses, but an interaction between gender and inhalant use signified this relationship was stronger for girls. Inhalant use disorders in incarcerated youth, as well as inhalant use without abuse or dependence (particularly in girls), may signal elevated suicide risk. Suicide risk assessments should, therefore, include questions about inhalation of volatile solvents such as paint, gasoline, and household cleaners.

Excessive drinking and other problem behaviours among 14-16 year old schoolchildren

The study investigates excessive drinking and associations with other problem behaviours in 2078 school students aged 14-16 years in seven London secondary schools. Using a cross-sectional design, a self-completion questionnaire assessed lifetime and recent (past month) alcohol and drug consumption, attitudes to alcohol use education, alcohol-related problems, psychological problems, educational aspirations, truancy, and delinquent behaviour. Excessive drinking was operationally defined as 10 or more units of alcohol per drinking occasion. At least one episode of excessive drinking was reported by 32% of the sample, with 10% reporting five or more episodes. Excessive drinking was positively associated with frequency of cigarette smoking, use of cannabis, positive attitudes towards illicit drugs, low educational aspirations, higher depression scores, frequent truancy, and involvement in delinquent behaviours. Excessive drinking is a problematic behaviour in its own right but it is also a marker for other problem behaviours, including illicit drug misuse and delinquency. Understanding and responding to alcohol misuse among adolescents requires attention to psychological, social and developmental factors other than alcohol consumption alone.