Inhalants: Factsheet

Inhalants, also known as volatile substances or solvents, are substances that are sniffed or breathed in through the nose and/or mouth to give the person using the drug an immediate high.

There are four main types of inhalants:

• Volatile solvents
• Aerosol sprays
• Gases
• Nitrites

According to the 2022-2023 Australian secondary schools' survey, approximately 1 in 14 (7%) Australian students (aged 12–17 years old) reported having used inhalants in the past month. 1 in 5 students (20%) reported having ever used inhalants.

Most inhalants have an immediate effect. The high usually only lasts for a few minutes. Users sometimes keep on sniffing to prolong the high, in some cases this can lead to loss of consciousness, brain damage, and even death.

The effects of inhalants can be immediate or long-term, as listed in the table below.

This factsheet was developed following expert review by researchers at the Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use at the University of Sydney, the National Drug & Alcohol Research Centre at the University of New South Wales, and the National Drug Research Institute at Curtin University.

Download attachment for more information on Inhalants and a list of sources.

Download 'Inhalants: What you need to know'

• Credit to the Home Office for quotes adapted from Talk to Frank.