Volatile substance abuse: evaluation and treatment.

1. A scheme for the identification and evaluation of volatile substance abusers is outlined which emphasizes the need for medical history, drug history, emotional/behavioural and dependency questionnaires and physical examination. 2. Poor initial evaluation may lead to non-recognition of dependent abusers who may present later with more serious problems. 3. Suggestions for prevention and treatment of chronic abusers are discussed and some advice for parents is outlined.