There is continuing concern about the misuse of volatile substances in Western Australia, particularly when used by young people. Volatile substance use (VSU) is a dangerous practice that can have devastating effects on the person who uses, their family and community.

The extent of VSU in Western Australia is difficult to determine, however it has been identified as an issue of concern in some regional and remote towns and communities and some parts of metropolitan Perth. VSU tends to be cyclical, episodic and highly localised in nature with differing trends emerging over time and in different locations.