Describes subject characteristics and research methodology of the study of inhalant use covered in this issue--a 4-year followup of 110 Mexican Americans who had been referred as adolescents to the Austin Youth Advocacy Program for drug abuse prevention/intervention. Contains 20 references. (SV)

Among 110 Mexican-American adolescents in a Texas drug abuse program, initial use of toxicant inhalants was related to availability and sensation-seeking, followed by psychological problems, parental and home problems, and peer influence. Quitting inhalant use was related to social pressures, attitude change, and perceived health risks. (Author/SV)

Summarizes major findings of interrelated longitudinal studies of 110 Mexican-American adolescent inhalant users. Discusses subject characteristics and educational background, criminality, patterns of drug and alcohol use, reasons for inhalant use, medical and psychological problems, family and peer influences, and an integration prediction model…

Examined underlying factors, reliability, and predictive validity of the Family, Friends, and Self (FFS) Assessment Scales based on data collected from 700 Mexican-American youth aged 13-18 admitted to 11 drug abuse prevention programs in Texas. The revised FFS drops the content approximately 25 percent to 63 items covering 10 scales. (KS)