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

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