Inhalants abuse: Status of etiology and intervention

Abstract

Inhalants differ from other psychoactive substances in that thousands of commercial -products can produce intoxication and toxicity if inhaled, they are widely available, legal, inexpensive, and easily obtained. Moreover, relatively few parents, retailers, school personnel, law enforcement professionals, or human services workers are vigilant about inhalant use or inhalant-related health and social problems. Numerous medical, cognitive, emotional, and social consequences and correlates of inhalant use have been documented including abuse and dependence. Moreover, little research has tested prevention or treatment programs specifically for inhalant abuse. This chapter summarizes extant research on etiology and clinical practices pertaining to inhalant use and abuse.