Inhalant Use Disorder

Course Summary

An inhalant use disorder is diagnosed according to criteria of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) and includes use of traditional categories of inhalants, such as aerosols, gases, nitrites, and solvents. Inhalants are often used to describe volatile substances that the user inhales for a psychoactive effect. Chemicals misused as inhalants are often found in various household products that some United States jurisdictions have started to regulate. Identification and treatment of an inhalant use disorder requires partnership with professionals and community support persons. Inhalant use disorders require a unique approach by all members of the interdisciplinary health team to raise awareness of the risk, prevention, and available treatment of an addiction to solvents.