Volatile substances

Volatile substances give off fumes or vapours that can cause damage to the brain and other side effects when inhaled.

This is called volatile substance abuse (VSA).

Examples of volatile substances include:

  • petrol
  • lighter fuels
  • spray paint
  • glue
  • correction fluids.

To find out more about volatile substances, go to the Alcohol and Drug Foundation website.

Effects of sniffing

Inhaled chemicals are quickly absorbed through the lungs into the bloodstream and are spread to the brain and other organs.

Within minutes, the user experiences intoxication, with symptoms similar to those caused by drinking alcohol.

As the intoxication lasts only a few minutes, some users prolong the effect by continuing to inhale repeatedly.

Sniffing is always risky, but some situations make it even more dangerous, including:

  • sniffing in an enclosed space or indoors
  • running or doing other physical activity after sniffing - this could cause death due to cardiac sensitisation
  • mixing sniffing with medicines or illegal drugs
  • sniffing when you have other health problems.

VSU is commonly associated with:

  • experimentation,
  • social influence;
  • or lack of access to other regularly used drugs.

Young people often choose volatile substances for their easy access and low cost.

A small number of people using volatile substances become regular or chronic users, often as a result of life traumas, to alleviate hunger pains and other risk factors.

Chronic VSU is complex and needs to be understood in the context of the social, cultural and environmental contributing factors.

Risk and protective factors include the availability (or lack of) of supports including:

  • family,
  • community,
  • school and peers;
  • social and political issues; and
  • individual characteristics.

Young people that experience more risk factors and less protective factors are at greater risk of ongoing VSU.

On rare occasions inhaling volatile substances can cause Sudden Sniffing Death. This has occurred in otherwise healthy people in their first experience of sniffing

Death usually occurs via cardiac arrest, though the precise mechanism is unknown.

Sudden Sniffing Death is associated with following physical exertion and increased health rate. Responders should never chase or threaten a person engaging in VSU; instead, a low-stimulus environment for recovery should be encouraged.

Substances that contain benzene and/or toluene, such as petrol, paint & paint thinners, increase chances of SSDS.

Vomiting while the user is intoxicated or sedated can lead to choking.

Hypoxia, which is the reduction of oxygen in the blood, can happen when users restrict the amount of fresh air they can take in.

Cooling agents found in some inhalants such as from aerosol cans can freeze the throat and cause suffocation.

If you are concerned someone may be at risk of severe harm from volatile substance use, you should encourage them to seek:

  • medical advice
  • treatment voluntarily.

The person may not be willing to enter into voluntary treatment.

If this happens, you may be able to apply to get them assessed.

Calmly ask them if it’s okay for you to take the substance away

Maintain a calm, open, non-judgemental demeanour

Ensure fresh airflow: open windows and doors

Keep the person away from lit cigarettes / flames

Never let someone fall asleep with a bag over their face

Encourage the person to change out of any substance-covered clothing

Encourage transport to medical service assessment

Ensure adult supervision for >6 hours to make sure they are recovering

Don’t chase them or try to restrain them!

Keep other people away from them if they are acting aggressively

Get help if there is danger to the person or other people

If a person doesn’t want treatment:

Add if you believe that they are at severe risk of harm, you may be able to apply to have them assessed.  Go to Management and treatment of VSU

Communities

The communities listed below have a declared management area, some also have approved management plans.

DistrictCommunity
Darwin

Gunbalanya

Kakadu

East Arnhem

Gapuwiyak

Galiwin'ku 

Milingimbi

Numbulwar

Ramingining

Yirrkala

Katherine

Wugularr

Jilkminggan

Kalano

Wadeye

Weemol

Walangeri

DistrictCommunity

Barkly

Alpurrurulam

Ali Curung

Alice Springs

Hoppy's Camp

Ikuntji

Kaltukatjara

Kintore

Mount Liebig

Ntaria

Papunya

Yarrenyty Arltere (Larapinta)

More information

See below for organisations addressing inhalant misuse or go to the NT Government website for information about NT drug rehabilitation services.

DescriptionLocation

The Top End Health Service and Central Australia Health Service have primary responsibility for the delivery of clinical services components of the Volatile Substance Abuse Prevention Act.

This includes assessment of referrals, treatment options and aftercare.

 

Amity Community Services  is a non-government organisation currently leading a project to reduce the health and social harms associated with volatile substance misuse in the Top End region of the NT.

 Call (08) 8944 6565
Go to the Amity website.

The Central Australian Youth Link-Up Service (CAYLUS)  is a local non-government organisation.

CAYLUS supports communities in Central Australia to prevent and respond to inhalant abuse, through community development initiatives such as youth diversion programs and rehabilitation services, supply reduction strategies and casework.

 Call (08) 8951 4236 or go to the CAYLUS website.

Give feedback about this page.

Share this page:

URL copied!