Patterns of petrol sniffing and other drug use in young men from an Australian Aboriginal community in Arnhem Land, Northern Territory

Abstract

Petrol sniffing and use of other drugs were examined among 48 males aged 13–32 years resident in a remote Aboriginal community in Arnhem Land. The study group consisted of 13 non‐sniffers, 13 ex‐sniffers and 22 current sniffers. Unemployment was highest among those with a history of petrol sniffing. Employment and family influence emerged as major reported reasons for individuals stopping petrol sniffing. The findings of the study suggest that strategies to reduce petrol sniffing should not only focus on education, employment, skills training and recreation, but should further encourage Aboriginal communities to utilize family relationships to dissuade young people from the practice. Unlike ex‐sniffers and current sniffers, non‐sniffers tended to be abstainers from tobacco, kava and alcohol. Of the selected study group, 52% smoked 25 cigarettes per day. On the basis of the research findings, the local community Council has implemented employment, skills training and recreation strategies to reduce petrol sniffing in this age group. A reduction in tobacco consumption in both adults and young people has also been targeted through health education programmes developed by the community health clinic and the school. [Burns CB, D'Abbs P, Currie BJ. Patterns of petrol sniffing and other drug use in young men from an Australian Aboriginal community in Arnhem Land, Northern Territory. Drug Alcohol Rev 1995;14:159–169] 1995 Australasian Professional Society on Alcohol and other Drugs