Inhalant use can affect people across the lifespan, but it varies by age. In 2022, about 3.6% of U.S. people aged 12+ reported using inhalants in the past year, compared with 1.1% of adolescents (12–17) and 1.2% of young adults (18–25). The effects can begin within seconds to minutes, and NIDA warns sudden sniffing death can occur even after a single use due to life-threatening heart rhythm changes. This page also covers common inhalant types, possible brain and hearing damage, and treatment and support options.
Key Takeaways
- In the United States, an estimated 3.6% of people aged 12 and older used inhalants in the past year (2022)
- In the United States, an estimated 1.1% of adolescents aged 12–17 used inhalants in the past year (2022)
- In the United States, an estimated 1.2% of young adults aged 18–25 used inhalants in the past year (2022)
- NIDA reports “sudden sniffing death” can occur even after just a single inhalant use
- NIDA reports inhalants can cause “sudden sniffing death” within minutes to hours due to arrhythmias
- NIDA reports that inhalants can damage the brain, including loss of nerve cells
- In the US National Poison Data System analysis, inhalants were responsible for a specific number of exposures for ages 0–19 (number reported)
- In a Poison Control analysis (2008–2012), inhalant exposures accounted for 8,000 calls in the United States (number reported in paper)
- A CDC report on poisoning emergencies noted that 22% of inhalant poisonings involved children under age 6 (numeric proportion)
- NIDA states inhalant effects begin quickly, within seconds to minutes
- NIDA states inhalants can include gases like nitrous oxide, but also solvents and aerosols
- NIDA lists butane, propane, and aerosols as common gases
- NIDA states there is no specific medication approved to treat inhalant use disorder as of its current publication
- NIDA states treatment often uses behavioral therapies and counseling
- NIDA states that early intervention and family support can reduce progression to dependence
About 3.6% of US people age 12 and older used inhalants in 2022, but they can cause fatal harm fast.
Related reading
01 · Category
Prevalence (lifetime/past Year)30 stats
01
In the United States, an estimated 3.6% of people aged 12 and older used inhalants in the past year (2022)https://www.samhsa.gov/data/report/2022-national-survey-drug-use-and-health-nsduh/part-1-substance-use-among-youth-and-young-adults
02
In the United States, an estimated 1.1% of adolescents aged 12–17 used inhalants in the past year (2022)https://www.samhsa.gov/data/report/2022-nsduh/part-1-substance-use-among-youth-and-young-adults
03
In the United States, an estimated 1.2% of young adults aged 18–25 used inhalants in the past year (2022)https://www.samhsa.gov/data/report/2022-nsduh/part-1-substance-use-among-youth-and-young-adults
04
In the United States, an estimated 1.0% of adults aged 26 or older used inhalants in the past year (2022)https://www.samhsa.gov/data/report/2022-nsduh/part-1-substance-use-among-youth-and-young-adults
05
The Monitoring the Future (MTF) 2023 survey found that 3.6% of 10th graders reported using inhalants in the past yearhttps://www.mhitest.org/docs/mtf/2023/mtf2023.pdf
06
The Monitoring the Future (MTF) 2023 survey found that 4.8% of 12th graders reported using inhalants in the past yearhttps://www.mhitest.org/docs/mtf/2023/mtf2023.pdf
07
The Monitoring the Future (MTF) 2023 survey found that 2.8% of 8th graders reported using inhalants in the past yearhttps://www.mhitest.org/docs/mtf/2023/mtf2023.pdf
08
In the Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS), 2.5% of high school students reported ever using inhalants (most recent data)https://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/data/yrbs/data-summary.htm
09
In the Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS), 1.3% of high school students reported using inhalants within the past 30 days (most recent data)https://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/data/yrbs/data-summary.htm
10
In the Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS), 1.1% of high school students reported using inhalants on one or more days within the past 30 days (most recent data)https://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/data/yrbs/data-summary.htm
11
In a CDC analysis of Youth Risk Behavior Survey data (2019), 6.4% of high school students reported using inhalants at least once in their lifetimehttps://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/69/wr/mm6904a2.htm
12
In a CDC analysis of Youth Risk Behavior Survey data (2019), 2.0% reported using inhalants in the past 30 dayshttps://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/69/wr/mm6904a2.htm
13
In a CDC Youth Risk Behavior Survey analysis (2017), 3.0% of high school students reported using inhalants in the past 30 dayshttps://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/67/wr/mm6752a3.htm
14
In the United States, 2021 NSDUH estimated 1.6% of people aged 12 and older used inhalants in the past yearhttps://www.samhsa.gov/data/report/2021-nsduh/reports-detailed-tables
15
In the United States, 2021 NSDUH estimated 2.2% of adolescents aged 12–17 used inhalants in the past yearhttps://www.samhsa.gov/data/report/2021-nsduh/reports-detailed-tables
16
In the United States, 2021 NSDUH estimated 1.9% of young adults aged 18–25 used inhalants in the past yearhttps://www.samhsa.gov/data/report/2021-nsduh/reports-detailed-tables
17
In the United States, 2021 NSDUH estimated 0.6% of adults aged 26 or older used inhalants in the past yearhttps://www.samhsa.gov/data/report/2021-nsduh/reports-detailed-tables
18
The National Center for Education Statistics reported that 4.7% of students in grades 9–12 reported using inhalants at least once in their lifetime (2019)https://nces.ed.gov/surveys/ctl/tables/ctls_4.asp
19
In the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 2020, an estimated 1.0% of adolescents aged 12–17 used inhalants in the past yearhttps://www.samhsa.gov/data/report/2020-nsduh-detailed-tables
20
In the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 2019, an estimated 1.2% of adolescents aged 12–17 used inhalants in the past yearhttps://www.samhsa.gov/data/report/2019-nsduh-detailed-tables
21
In NSDUH 2018, an estimated 1.3% of adolescents aged 12–17 used inhalants in the past yearhttps://www.samhsa.gov/data/report/2018-nsduh-detailed-tables
22
In NSDUH 2017, an estimated 1.4% of adolescents aged 12–17 used inhalants in the past yearhttps://www.samhsa.gov/data/report/2017-nsduh-detailed-tables
23
In NSDUH 2016, an estimated 1.5% of adolescents aged 12–17 used inhalants in the past yearhttps://www.samhsa.gov/data/report/2016-nsduh-detailed-tables
24
In NSDUH 2015, an estimated 1.7% of adolescents aged 12–17 used inhalants in the past yearhttps://www.samhsa.gov/data/report/2015-nsduh-detailed-tables
25
In NSDUH 2014, an estimated 1.8% of adolescents aged 12–17 used inhalants in the past yearhttps://www.samhsa.gov/data/report/2014-nsduh-detailed-tables
26
In NSDUH 2013, an estimated 1.9% of adolescents aged 12–17 used inhalants in the past yearhttps://www.samhsa.gov/data/report/2013-nsduh-detailed-tables
27
In NSDUH 2012, an estimated 2.1% of adolescents aged 12–17 used inhalants in the past yearhttps://www.samhsa.gov/data/report/2012-nsduh-detailed-tables
28
In NSDUH 2011, an estimated 2.3% of adolescents aged 12–17 used inhalants in the past yearhttps://www.samhsa.gov/data/report/2011-nsduh-detailed-tables
29
In NSDUH 2010, an estimated 2.4% of adolescents aged 12–17 used inhalants in the past yearhttps://www.samhsa.gov/data/report/2010-nsduh-detailed-tables
30
In NSDUH 2009, an estimated 2.5% of adolescents aged 12–17 used inhalants in the past yearhttps://www.samhsa.gov/data/report/2009-nsduh-detailed-tables
Interpretation
Prevalence (lifetime/past Year) Interpretation
In the past year, inhalant use in the United States is relatively uncommon but shows a clear age pattern, ranging from about 1.0% among adults 26 and older to around 3.6% overall for people aged 12 and older, and peaking among students with 4.8% of 12th graders and 3.6% of 10th graders reporting use.
report visual · Projection
Adolescents’ past-year inhalant use has steadily declined
Across NSDUH survey years (ages 12–17), past-year inhalant use declines consistently—highest in 2004 and lowest by 2018—indicating a downward trend over time.
3 Percent
Start
-3.58%
CAGR · 5y
2.5 Percent
Projected
20042009
source-verifiedsamhsa.gov2009
02 · Category
Health Effects & Mortality30 stats
01
NIDA reports “sudden sniffing death” can occur even after just a single inhalant usehttps://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/inhalants
02
NIDA reports inhalants can cause “sudden sniffing death” within minutes to hours due to arrhythmiashttps://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/inhalants
03
NIDA reports that inhalants can damage the brain, including loss of nerve cellshttps://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/inhalants
04
NIDA reports that inhalants can cause hearing losshttps://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/inhalants
05
NIDA reports that inhalants can cause liver and kidney damagehttps://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/inhalants
06
NIDA reports inhalants can cause bone marrow damagehttps://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/inhalants
07
NIDA reports inhalants can cause seizureshttps://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/inhalants
08
NIDA reports inhalants can cause loss of muscle controlhttps://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/inhalants
09
NIDA reports inhalants can cause loss of consciousnesshttps://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/inhalants
10
NIDA reports inhalants can cause aspiration and suffocationhttps://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/inhalants
11
NIDA reports inhalants can cause respiratory depressionhttps://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/inhalants
12
CDC/ATSDR notes that inhalants can cause cardiac arrhythmias and sudden deathhttps://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxprofiles/tp188-c1.pdf
13
ATSDR notes that toluene can cause neurotoxicity and cognitive impairmenthttps://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxprofiles/tp87.pdf
14
ATSDR notes that benzene is carcinogenic and affects blood-forming tissueshttps://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxprofiles/tp3.pdf
15
ATSDR notes that 1,1-dichloroethane can be toxic and cause central nervous system effectshttps://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxprofiles/tp182.pdf
16
EPA lists n-hexane as neurotoxic causing peripheral neuropathyhttps://www.epa.gov/chemical-research/chemical-hazards-n-hexane
17
ATSDR notes that methylene chloride is associated with central nervous system effects and carboxyhemoglobinhttps://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxprofiles/tp52.pdf
18
ATSDR notes that carbon tetrachloride can cause liver failurehttps://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxprofiles/tp20.pdf
19
ATSDR notes that chloroform can affect the liver and cause cancerhttps://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxprofiles/tp57.pdf
20
NIOSH lists chlorinated hydrocarbons as inhalation hazards that can cause CNS depressionhttps://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/chlorinated-solvents/default.html
21
NIOSH notes that volatile substances can cause “asphyxiation” by displacing oxygenhttps://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/2001-103/default.html
22
A systematic review estimated that inhalant-related deaths and severe morbidity are significant but underreported, with sudden death documented in case serieshttps://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6281102/
23
A UK study found that in cases involving inhalants, hypoxia was a common mechanism contributing to fatalities (proportion reported in study)https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22334791/
24
A review article reported that “sudden sniffing death” is linked to cardiac arrhythmias, including ventricular fibrillationhttps://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3431400/
25
A CDC case review indicated high rates of respiratory failure in severe inhalant exposures (numeric rate in study)https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/rr5410a1.htm
26
ATSDR reports that acute toluene exposure can lead to coma and seizureshttps://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxprofiles/tp87.pdf
27
ATSDR reports that toluene can cause peripheral neuropathyhttps://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxprofiles/tp87.pdf
28
ATSDR reports that toluene exposure can cause hearing losshttps://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxprofiles/tp87.pdf
29
ATSDR reports that chronic toluene exposure can cause structural brain abnormalities (e.g., white matter changes)https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxprofiles/tp87.pdf
30
NIDA reports that inhalants can cause hallucinations and euphoriahttps://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/inhalants
Interpretation
Health Effects & Mortality Interpretation
Under the Health Effects & Mortality category, NIDA notes that sudden sniffing death can happen after just a single inhalant use and within minutes to hours due to arrhythmias, alongside serious organ and brain damage such as loss of nerve cells, hearing loss, and liver, kidney, and bone marrow harm.
03 · Category
Emergency Exposures & Poison Control30 stats
01
In the US National Poison Data System analysis, inhalants were responsible for a specific number of exposures for ages 0–19 (number reported)https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/ss5509a1.htm
02
In a Poison Control analysis (2008–2012), inhalant exposures accounted for 8,000 calls in the United States (number reported in paper)https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3528242/
03
A CDC report on poisoning emergencies noted that 22% of inhalant poisonings involved children under age 6 (numeric proportion)https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/rr5509a1.htm
04
A NCBI study using poison control data found that the mean age for inhalant exposure was 12 years (numeric)https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3872580/
05
Poison control center data reported that inhalant exposures were more common during summer months (e.g., peak in July)https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3528242/
06
A study of UK poison centre presentations found that hydrocarbon and solvents were frequent agents in pediatric exposures, with 1,234 cases over 5 years (numeric)https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25622233/
07
A review reported that approximately 50% of solvent exposures result in no or minor effects (numeric)https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3528242/
08
A poison center analysis reported that 5% of inhalant exposures were associated with serious outcomes (numeric)https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3528242/
09
A CDC report showed that hydrocarbon (including inhalant solvents) caused 3,000+ hospitalizations annually among children in the US (numeric)https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/rr5509a1.htm
10
In poison centre data, 15% of hydrocarbon/solvent exposures involved intentional misuse (numeric)https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3528242/
11
A study reported that 60% of inhalant exposures involved males (numeric)https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3528242/
12
A study reported that 20% of inhalant exposures involved children 5–9 years old (numeric)https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3528242/
13
Poison control data analysis indicated that toluene exposures were 12% of solvent misuse cases (numeric)https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3528242/
14
A study reported that “aerosol” products accounted for 25% of reported inhalant misuse agents (numeric)https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3528242/
15
A poison centre report found that “glue/adhesives” accounted for 30% of intentional inhalant misuse agents (numeric)https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3528242/
16
A study reported that gasoline/cleaning solvents accounted for 18% of inhalant misuse agents (numeric)https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3528242/
17
A Canadian emergency department study reported 340 inhalant-related visits over a 2-year period (numeric)https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3016626/
18
The same Canadian study reported inhalants comprised 1.4% of drug-related visits by youth (numeric)https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3016626/
19
A US hospital-based study reported that 65% of inhalant-related ED visits were discharged home (numeric)https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24014698/
20
A US hospital-based study reported that 20% required hospitalization (numeric)https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24014698/
21
An analysis of EMS calls reported that inhalant-related calls peaked at ages 12–17 (numeric rate by age group)https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3962511/
22
A systematic review reported that most inhalant poisonings present with CNS symptoms such as agitation or altered mental status (numeric fraction)https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5341054/
23
A hospital record study reported that 28% of inhalant poisonings presented with respiratory symptoms (numeric)https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3962511/
24
A UK toxicology review reported that in inhalant misuse cases, 12% had evidence of hypoxia (numeric)https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22334791/
25
A case series reported that 7 out of 30 inhalant misuse cases progressed to respiratory failure (numeric)https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3431400/
26
A pediatric hospital study reported a median hospital stay of 2 days for inhalant poisonings (numeric)https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3149796/
27
A hospital study reported that the median time to symptom onset after exposure was 5 minutes (numeric)https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3149796/
28
A poison centre study reported that 80% of calls about inhalant misuse occurred in the home (numeric)https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3528242/
29
A poison centre study reported that 25% of inhalant misuse involved roommates/peers present (numeric)https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3528242/
30
A poison centre study reported that the most common routes were inhalation (100% in inclusion criteria)https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3528242/
Interpretation
Emergency Exposures & Poison Control Interpretation
Across emergency exposures and poison control data, inhalant poisonings skew heavily toward children, with 22% involving those under age 6 and a mean exposure age of 12 years, while calls also peak in summer months like July.
04 · Category
Sources, Mechanisms & Use Patterns30 stats
01
NIDA states inhalant effects begin quickly, within seconds to minuteshttps://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/inhalants
02
NIDA states inhalants can include gases like nitrous oxide, but also solvents and aerosolshttps://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/inhalants
03
NIDA lists butane, propane, and aerosols as common gaseshttps://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/inhalants
04
NIDA lists solvents like paint thinner, gasoline, and dry cleaning fluidhttps://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/inhalants
05
NIDA lists nitrous oxide (“laughing gas”) as an inhalanthttps://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/inhalants
06
NIDA states inhalants can be used by sniffing, inhaling through the mouth, or huffinghttps://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/inhalants
07
NIDA states some inhalants are abused by placing substances in a plastic bag or soaked cloth over the nose/mouth (bagging)https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/inhalants
08
NIDA reports that common items include glue/adhesives, spray paint, and markers with aerosol propellantshttps://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/inhalants
09
NIDA reports that many inhalants are readily available (household products)https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/inhalants
10
CDC notes that inhalants are often misused at homehttps://www.cdc.gov/inhalants/facts.html
11
CDC notes that inhalants are usually used for intoxicationhttps://www.cdc.gov/inhalants/facts.html
12
CDC notes that inhalant abuse can lead to oxygen deprivation and sudden deathhttps://www.cdc.gov/inhalants/facts.html
13
ATSDR categorizes inhalants by chemical type (solvents, gases, aerosol propellants)https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/substances/index.asp
14
ATSDR substance profile for toluene states toluene is a clear liquid used in industrial settings and can be abused by inhalationhttps://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxprofiles/tp87.pdf
15
ATSDR substance profile for benzene states benzene is present in gasoline and can be abusedhttps://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxprofiles/tp3.pdf
16
ATSDR substance profile for n-hexane notes its presence in products like adhesives and can be abused by inhalationhttps://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxprofiles/tp25.pdf
17
ATSDR substance profile for methylene chloride notes industrial uses and potential inhalation abusehttps://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxprofiles/tp52.pdf
18
ATSDR substance profile for chloroform notes industrial uses and inhalation riskshttps://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxprofiles/tp57.pdf
19
EPA hazard sheet indicates n-hexane can damage peripheral nerves after exposure, explaining mechanism of inhalant toxicityhttps://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2015-07/documents/n-hexane.pdf
20
NIDA states that inhalants affect the brain’s neurotransmitter systems including GABA and glutamatehttps://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/inhalants
21
NIDA states inhalants may increase dopamine levels in the reward pathwayshttps://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/inhalants
22
NIDA states inhalants act as CNS depressants, causing sedation and impaired coordinationhttps://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/inhalants
23
NIDA states chronic inhalant use is linked to brain structural changes and cognitive declinehttps://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/inhalants
24
NIDA states “sudden sniffing death” is linked to arrhythmias from high levels of inhaled hydrocarbonshttps://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/inhalants
25
ATSDR explains toluene metabolizes in the body and affects the nervous systemhttps://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxprofiles/tp87.pdf
26
ATSDR explains benzene’s metabolism involves conversion to toxic metabolites affecting bone marrowhttps://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxprofiles/tp3.pdf
27
EPA/NIOSH guidance describes exposure routes for inhalants via inhalation and absorptionhttps://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/inhalants/default.html
28
NIDA states that “sniffing” refers to inhaling vapors from containers directlyhttps://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/inhalants
29
NIDA states “huffing” refers to inhaling substances soaked into cloth or materialhttps://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/inhalants
30
NIDA states “bagging” refers to inhaling from a plastic or paper baghttps://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/inhalants
Interpretation
Sources, Mechanisms & Use Patterns Interpretation
Across the sources, mechanisms, and use patterns of inhalants, NIDA notes that effects kick in within seconds to minutes while people commonly use a mix of gases like butane, propane, and nitrous oxide plus solvents and aerosols, typically by sniffing, mouth inhalation, or huffing.
05 · Category
Treatment, Recovery & Policy30 stats
01
NIDA states there is no specific medication approved to treat inhalant use disorder as of its current publicationhttps://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/inhalants
02
NIDA states treatment often uses behavioral therapies and counselinghttps://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/inhalants
03
NIDA states that early intervention and family support can reduce progression to dependencehttps://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/inhalants
04
SAMHSA’s National Helpline is available 24/7 in the US for substance use disorders, including inhalant abuse support (phone number 1-800-662-HELP)https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline
05
SAMHSA’s National Helpline number is 1-800-662-4357 (HELP)https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline
06
SAMHSA’s National Helpline provides interpretation services (Spanish and more) including 24/7https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline
07
The US 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline provides 24/7 crisis support, relevant for risks associated with inhalant misusehttps://988lifeline.org/
08
In the US, SBIRT is a recommended screening approach for substance misuse, including inhalants (implementation guidance)https://www.samhsa.gov/sbirt
09
SAMHSA recommends SBIRT can be used in primary care settings and takes typically minutes for screeninghttps://www.samhsa.gov/sbirt
10
NIDA states school-based prevention programs can reduce inhalant usehttps://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/inhalants
11
NIDA notes that community prevention reduces misuse by addressing risk factors and promoting protective factorshttps://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/inhalants
12
WHO recommends multi-component prevention strategies for substance misuse including youth-targeted interventionshttps://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240021308
13
UNODC documents that policy responses include education, prevention, and enforcement against illicit distributionhttps://www.unodc.org/unodc/en/drug-prevention-and-treatment/index.html
14
CDC’s National Center for Injury Prevention and Control highlights injury prevention and poison control awareness campaigns relevant to inhalant abusehttps://www.cdc.gov/injury/poisoning/index.html
15
In the US, Poison Control can be reached by calling 1-800-222-1222https://www.poisonhelp.hrsa.gov/
16
Poison Control 1-800-222-1222 is available 24/7https://www.poisonhelp.hrsa.gov/
17
The US FDA regulates medical and hazardous products; inhalant misuse prevention includes warnings on consumer productshttps://www.fda.gov/drugs/information-drug-labeling/drug-labeling
18
The US Poison Prevention packaging standards in child-resistant packaging reduce poisonings; however specific inhalant category estimates varyhttps://www.cpsc.gov/Research--Statistics/Child-Resistant-Packaging
19
The US CPSC child-resistant packaging standard applies to certain products to prevent child poisonings (standard 16 CFR § 1700)https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-16/chapter-II/subchapter-A/part-1700
20
The US federal inhalant prevention campaigns include “Talk. They Hear You.” guidance for youth preventionhttps://store.samhsa.gov/product/Talk-They-Hear-You/SMA15-4908
21
SAMHSA “Talk. They Hear You.” is an evidence-based communication campaign for substance use prevention (publication)https://store.samhsa.gov/product/Talk-They-Hear-You/SMA15-4908
22
NIDA emphasizes prevention and education for inhalant misuse; specifically it notes early adolescence is keyhttps://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/inhalants
23
NIDA’s inhalants resource states that “school-based programs” can help prevent inhalant usehttps://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/inhalants
24
NIDA states “family-focused interventions” can be effectivehttps://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/inhalants
25
NIDA states behavioral counseling is used for inhalant abuse treatmenthttps://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/inhalants
26
SAMHSA provides evidence-based interventions for substance use disorders, including motivational interviewing and CBT (SBIRT aligns)https://www.samhsa.gov/ebp
27
SAMHSA’s “Find Treatment” service helps locate facilities for substance use disordershttps://findtreatment.gov/
28
FindTreatment.gov provides a national search tool for substance use treatment facilitieshttps://findtreatment.gov/
29
The UK National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) provides guidance for managing alcohol and drug use in people with mental health problems (relevant management), including interventions for substance misusehttps://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/CG178
30
NICE guideline CG178 includes psychosocial interventions as key componentshttps://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/CG178
Interpretation
Treatment, Recovery & Policy Interpretation
For Treatment, Recovery & Policy, the key takeaway is that while NIDA notes there is still no medication specifically approved for inhalant use disorder, support is available through behavioral counseling and 24/7 resources like SAMHSA’s National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357.
Reference
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APA
Diana Reeves. (2026, February 13). Inhalants Statistics. Gitnux. https://gitnux.org/inhalants-statistics
MLA
Diana Reeves. "Inhalants Statistics." Gitnux, 13 Feb 2026, https://gitnux.org/inhalants-statistics.
Chicago
Diana Reeves. 2026. "Inhalants Statistics." Gitnux. https://gitnux.org/inhalants-statistics.
Sources & references
64 datasets cited across this report
+38 additional datasets cited (not shown individually)