The prevalence of substance use is among adolescents is on rise. In India, inhalant is one of the common drugs of use and acts as a gateway for illicit substance use. The mainstay of treatment for inhalant use among this population is psychosocial interventions. In India, we largely rely on western models to guide intervention programs, however, there is a need to develop and test the psychosocial interventions which are culturally relevant and effective.

The present study aims to highlight the culture specific psychopathological factors associated with inhalant use among adolescents. The paper aims at studying the effectiveness of a psychosocial intervention in reducing the frequency and quantity of inhalant use among adolescent clinic population.

Four adolescents reporting to the Adolescent Clinic at the National Drug Dependence Treatment Centre, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi were recruited for the study. A single-case design was adopted. The pre-, and post- intervention assessment were carried out.

There was a significant reduction in frequency and quantity of inhalant use in the cases. The findings of the study are discussed in the light of available research work, implications, limitations of the study and suggestions for future research. The psychpathological factors and challenges to intervention are discussed.