Volatile substances

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
• individual characteristics.

Young people who 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 (SSD). This has occurred in otherwise healthy people in their first experience of sniffing.

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

SSD 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 and& paint thinners, increase chances of SSD.

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
• engage family and community supports.

Work with the family and community to build more protective factors and decrease risk factors.

The person may not be willing to enter voluntary treatment.

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

If a person doesn’t want treatment and you believe that they are at severe risk of harm, you may be able to apply to have them assessed. View management and treatment of volatile substances abuse

• 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 at least 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.

More information

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