Why are inhalants used?

Healthcare professionals, teachers, and parents may have difficulty understanding the appeal of inhalants to youths. The following are some of the appealing attributes reported:

• Rapid onset of effect - A "high" or altered consciousness is attained within a few minutes of inhaling, much quicker than an alcohol-induced high. Youths often want instant gratification, and inhalants provide this.
• Users prefer the quality and pattern of the high - Users describe effects such as euphoria, giddiness, and lightheadedness. Some users experience a surge of creativity; others describe feelings of excitement.
• Low cost - According to Hocaoglu (2005), many who abuse inhalants have limited incomes or are children who do not have the financial means to purchase other drugs.
• Easy to conceal - Youths frequently carry the product they abuse with them, often for use in the classroom or at social functions. Parents' unfamiliarity with the abuse potential of inhalants contributes to their attractiveness for youngsters. They are easy to conceal from parents. There are no dealers, no paraphernalia, no needles or track marks; just a small container of frequently used products such as nail polish.
• Legality - Purchase and possession of these substances are not restricted or illegal in most areas. Some states have laws that prohibit the inhalation of these products in public places.
• Easily available - Inhalants are different from other drugs in that they are not sold illegally on street corners, parking lots, and malls. They are available in our homes. Inhalants can also be purchased in numerous retail stores and sometimes are shoplifted or used in retail stores without purchasing. 

 Other reasons adolescents use inhalants Siegel et al. (2009) found in their research studies:

1. Inhalant use as a means of mental escape – helps forget problems
2. Inhalant use as a social tool – increases social acceptance and reduces peer pressure
3. Inhalant use as a parental relations tool – can be used to get parent's attention or feel better when parental involvement is lacking.

Reference

Hocaoglu, C. (2005). An Adolescent with a Different Substance Abuse Case Report. Substance  Abuse. 25(4),41-3.

Siegel, J. T., Alvaro, E. M., Patel, N., & Crano, W. D. (2009). "...you would probably want to do it. Cause that's what made them popular": Exploring perceptions of inhalant utility among young adolescent nonusers and occasional users. Substance use & misuse, 44(5), 597–615.

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