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Updated: May 29, 2026

Halogenated Agent Delivery in Porcine Model of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome via an Intensive Care Unit Type Device
Published on: September 24, 2020
Insights
Inhalant abuse, or volatile substance abuse, is a global issue affecting marginalized youth. Early screening and treatment significantly improve mental, physical, and social outcomes for those impacted.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Addiction Medicine
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Inhalant abuse, also known as volatile substance abuse, is the deliberate inhalation of volatile substances for altered mental states.
- This global issue disproportionately affects minority and marginalized populations, particularly younger children, and is linked to social determinants of health.
- Inhalants are chosen for their low cost, availability, and rapid euphoric effects, but chronic abuse leads to severe, irreversible harm.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review critical aspects of inhalant abuse, focusing on new data concerning Aboriginal children and youth.
- To provide updated recommendations for the prevention and treatment of inhalant abuse.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing data on inhalant abuse.
- Specific focus on recent information pertaining to Aboriginal children and youth.
- Analysis of treatment and prevention strategies.
Main Results:
- Inhalant abuse is a worldwide problem strongly correlated with social determinants of health.
- Chronic abuse leads to serious and often irreversible health effects.
- Screening and early treatment interventions show significant improvements in affected individuals' well-being.
Conclusions:
- Inhalant abuse requires targeted prevention and treatment strategies, especially for vulnerable populations like Aboriginal youth.
- Early intervention through screening and prompt referral to treatment programs is crucial for mitigating long-term negative consequences.
- Addressing social determinants of health is essential for comprehensive prevention and treatment approaches.
Abstract:
Inhalant abuse - also known as volatile substance abuse, solvent abuse, sniffing, huffing and bagging - is the deliberate inhalation of a volatile substance to achieve an altered mental state. Inhalant abuse is a worldwide problem that is especially common in individuals from minority and marginalized populations, and is strongly correlated with the social determinants of health. It often affects younger children, compared with other forms of substance abuse, and crosses social and ethnic boundaries. Inhalants are pharmacologically diverse products that are selected for their low price, legal and widespread availability, and ability to rapidly induce euphoria. Chronic abuse is associated with serious and often irreversible effects. Widespread screening and early referrals to treatment programs have resulted in significant improvements in the mental, physical and social conditions of those affected. The present statement reviews critical aspects of inhalant abuse, highlighting new information and data that pertain to Aboriginal children and youth, and provides recommendations for treatment and prevention.
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