Volatile substance use (VSU) is the deliberate inhalation of substances, that produce a vapour or gas at room temperature, for their intoxicating effects. It is commonly referred to as 'sniffing', 'chroming', ‘inhalant use’ or ‘solvent use’.

Availability

The availability of products containing volatile substances is almost limitless. Most volatile substance products such as aerosols, solvents and gases have legitimate uses and can be legally purchased from a wide range of retail outlets including supermarkets, hardware stores, petrol stations and convenience stores. They can also be found in and around most homes, businesses and industrial sites, as well as online.

Method of use

Volatile substances are generally inhaled directly into the mouth or nose from its container, or from a plastic bag or bottle, or through a cloth.

Patterns of use

Patterns of use for people who use volatile substances are commonly described as experimental, social or chronic.

1. Experimental use is characterised by one-off or a few occasions of use due to curiosity or peer influence. It is generally opportunistic and short-lived.
2. Social use occurs more regularly within the context of a group activity. It is often perceived as fun and enjoyable and is not seen to have much of a negative impact by those who use.
3. Chronic use describes long-term, heavy use which may involve dependent, daily use, drug-seeking behaviours and poly-drug use. It is commonly associated with familial, social and/or psychological problems, many of which precede the use of volatile substances. Individuals who use in this way often use alone / in isolation, or in the company of others who use in a similar way.

Prevalence

While the overall number of people who use volatile substances may not be large, it can have a disproportionate effect on a community.

Research and experience in Western Australia indicates that most VSU occurs among young people between the ages of 12 and 15 years, and that it steadily decreases with age¹. Most people stop VSU after a short period of time, with only a small minority continuing on to long-term or chronic use.

VSU tends to be episodic, cyclical and is often highly localised in nature. It occurs in urban, regional and remote areas, however patterns within these settings tend to differ. 

In urban settings, VSU is characterised by a larger proportion of experimental use by young people, with some chronic use particularly among young people and young adults experiencing homelessness. 

In regional and remote settings, VSU tends to be opportunistic in nature, based on availability and the movement between towns/communities of those who use volatile substances. In regional and remote locations, there is a higher proportion of chronic patterns of use noted.

While VSU occurs across all socio-economic groups and is an issue for both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people, research indicates that prevalence of VSU is highest among young people from lower socio-economic and marginalised groups, and that rates are particularly high among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples (National Health and Medical Research Council, 2011).

For more information about the prevalence of VSU, see the Prevalence page of this website.