Inhalant Use Disorder

Course overview

An inhalant use disorder is diagnosed according to criteria of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) and includes the use of traditional categories of inhalants, such as aerosols, gasses, nitrites, and solvents. Inhalants are often described as 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 inhalant use disorder require partnership with interdisciplinary health professionals in acute care and community settings. 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 when the misuse of solvents is identified.