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Inhalants

Brief Description

Although other substances that are misused can be inhaled, the term inhalants refers to the various substances that people typically take only by inhaling. These substances include:

  • solvents (liquids that become gas at room temperature)
  • aerosol sprays
  • gases
  • nitrites (prescription medicines for chest pain)

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Statistics and Trends

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Monitoring the Future Study: Trends in Prevalence of Inhalants for 8th Graders, 10th Graders, and 12th Graders; 2017 (in percent)*
Drug Time Period 8th Graders 10th Graders 12th Graders
Inhalants Lifetime [8.90] 6.10 4.90
Past Year [4.70] 2.30 1.50
Past Month 2.10 1.10 0.80

* Data in brackets indicate statistically significant change from the previous year. Previous MTF Data

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National Survey on Drug Use and Health: Trends in Prevalence of Inhalants for Ages 12 or Older, Ages 12 to 17, Ages 18 to 25, and Ages 26 or Older; 2017 (in percent)*
Drug Time Period Ages 12 or Older Ages 12 to 17 Ages 18 to 25 Ages 26 or Older
Inhalants Lifetime 9.30 8.60 9.50 9.30
Past Year 0.60 2.30 1.60 0.30
Past Month 0.20 0.60 0.50 0.10

^ indicate low precision; no estimate reported.
Data in brackets indicate statistically significant change from the previous year. Previous NSDUH Data

Related Publications

Publication: Research Report Series - Inhalant Abuse

Inhalants

Provides scientific research on the nature and extent of inhalant abuse, its potential health consequences, and hazards of chemicals found in commonly abused inhalants. (July 2012) En Español

Inhalants

Provides an overview of inhalants, including types of products commonly inhaled, effects on the brain, other adverse health effects, and potential for addiction. (February 2017) En Español

Principles of Adolescent Substance Use Disorder Treatment: A Research-Based Guide Cover

Principles of Adolescent Substance Use Disorder Treatment: A Research-Based Guide

Presents research-based principles of adolescent substance use disorder treatment; covers treatment for a variety of drugs including, illicit and prescription drugs, alcohol, and tobacco; presents settings and evidence-based approaches unique to treating adolescents. (January 2014)

Publication Cover

Inhalants

Describes to young teens how inhalants, such as hair spray, gasoline, and spray paint, can cause nerve cell damage in the brain that can affect the body in many ways. () En Español

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Related Resources

Other Resources

Past information on many drugs of abuse is available on our Archives site.

Clinical Trials

Clinical trials are research studies in human volunteers conducted to answer specific health questions. Learn about the NIH-sponsored clinical trials available to you.

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Cite this article

NIDA. (). Inhalants. Retrieved from https://www.drugabuse.gov/drugs-abuse/inhalants

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Research Report

Research Report Cover

Inhalants

Provides scientific research on the nature and extent of inhalant abuse, its potential health consequences, and hazards of chemicals found in commonly abused inhalants.

Read more

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1-800-662-4357
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