Two alternative conceptual models, a psychological-peer model and an integrative model, for explaining inhalant use in early adolescence and drug use severity in later adolescence among Mexican American youth were tested using linear structural equations (LISREL). The models addressed the interrelationships of peer deviancy, psychological vulnerability, availability of inhalants, family environment, acculturative stress, and low social assets and their effects longitudinally otn inhalant use and drug use severity. They differed mainly in the specification of direct influences on inhalant use. Results suggest that the integrative model was the better model for explaining the data. The most important component represented peer influences, and only an indirect effect was found for psychological vulnerability on inhalant use and drug use severity. There was no support foundfor direct influences of availability of inhalants and low socioeconomic assets on inhalant use.
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