What are inhalants

Inhalants are products that create chemical fumes or vapours when a person breathes them in.

Inhalants include common products such as glue, deodorant and petrol. Using inhalants is known as ‘sniffing’, ‘huffing’ or ‘chroming’.

Inhalants are depressant drugs because they can slow down how the brain and the body functions.

Using inhalants is dangerous. Young people have a higher risk of harm from inhalant misuse.

Learn more about inhalants, how they are used and their effects on the Adis 24/7 Alcohol and Drug Support website.

Goals and background to the roundtable

The inhalants roundtable was held in December 2019. It aimed to help us better understand the issues around inhalant misuse and improve how we respond to them. Chaired by the Chief Health Officer, over 40 organisations took part including:

  • state and federal government departments
  • retailers and manufacturers who sell or make products that can be used as an inhalant
  • youth health representatives
  • police.

The main goals of the roundtable were to:

  • get expert insight into inhalant misuse from relevant organisations and peak bodies
  • identify ways to improve how we respond to inhalant misuse in our communities.

Why it’s important

Inhalant misuse is a complex social issue. While use is often episodic, some people can experience short term harms or develop longer term problems. Many young people who use inhalants have other social needs or issues. The Youth Needs Census – Queensland found that young people who engage in alcohol and other drug treatment had also:

  • faced high rates of family conflict
  • been disengaged from school or were unemployed
  • experienced mental illness or trauma.

Read more in the Youth Need Census – Queensland report on the Insight- Dovetail website.

Summary and response

Our goal is to reduce the harm caused by inhalants and support our communities. We identified the following areas to improve our response to inhalant misuse.

  • Use and grow our existing health services and multi-agency responses
  • Work with local communities to grow our workforce and skills and prevent outbreaks
  • Make sure our models of care are based on evidence and are flexible to respond to local needs

Read the Summary of the inhalants roundtable (PDF 198 kB) to learn more.

Guidance for health professionals and retailers

If you’re a health professional, you can access the inhalant misuse resources and training on the Insight - Dovetail website including:

  • how to respond to a person who's using inhalants
  • fact sheets, videos and webinars about the effects of inhalants and how retailers can reduce the supply of inhalant products
  • tips for dealing with someone who's intoxicated.

There are also resources for retailers and shop owners about managing products that can be used as inhalants.

Help and support

If you're concerned about your own or someone else's substance use, call Adis 24/7 Alcohol and Drug Support on 1800 177 833. You can also visit their website for more information or to chat with a counsellor online.

Last updated: 5 September 2024