Differences in use of inhalants among sexual minorities in the USA in 2015-2018

Inhalants are substances with underestimated abuse potential associated with cardiac problems, dizziness, seizures, and decreased level of consciousness. Inhalants are commonly used by the LGB population, who are vulnerable to their harms. US epidemiologic inhalants data are scarce. The aims of this study are to: i) investigate associations between inhalant use and sexual identity groups; ii) examine associations with use of other drugs among lesbian/gays who use inhalants.

Data came from the 2015-2018 NSDUH (n = 168,560). Participants ages 18 or older were asked if they had used any inhalants in their lifetime and past-year. We investigated the associations between inhalant use with sexual identity categories heterosexual, lesbian/gay, and bisexual using logistic regression models with complex survey design.

Total prevalences of lifetime and past-year use of inhalants were 9.4% and 0.5%, respectively. Lesbian/gay population (L/G) and bisexuals (B) reported higher odds of lifetime (L/G: aOR = 3.71, 95%CI = [3.19,4.30], B: aOR = 1.82, 95%CI = [1.64,2.03) and past-year (L/G: aOR = 11.57, 95%CI = [8.95,14.96], B: aOR = 2.81, 95%CI = [2.02,3.92]) inhalant use compared to heterosexuals. Among L/G, men had higher odds of lifetime (aOR = 4.11, 95%CI = [3.06,5.52]) and past-year (aOR = 15.67, 95%CI = [7.27,33.76]) inhalant use versus women. Use of marijuana (aOR = 2.76, 95%CI = [1.48,5.16]), other illegal drugs (aOR = 2.70, 95%CI = [1.60,4.56]), and non-medical use of psychotherapeutics (aOR = 2.67, 95%CI = 1.77,4.05) were associated with past-year use of inhalants among L/G.

LGB population is at elevated risk of inhalant use and of concurrent use with other drugs. Gay men had significantly higher odds of inhalant use compared to lesbians and bisexuals. Informative and in-site harm reduction measures are warranted to prevent harms from inhalant use.