Inhalant use and inhalant use disorders in the United States

Addict Sci Clin Pract. 2011 Jul;6(1):18-31.

Abstract

More than 22 million Americans age 12 and older have used inhalants, and every year more than 750,000 use inhalants for the first time. Despite the substantial prevalence and serious toxicities of inhalant use, it has been termed "the forgotten epidemic." Inhalant abuse remains the least-studied form of substance abuse, although research on its epidemiology, neurobiology, treatment, and prevention has accelerated in recent years. This review examines current findings in these areas, identifies gaps in the research and clinical literatures pertaining to inhalant use, and discusses future directions for inhalant-related research and practice efforts.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Age Factors
  • Biomedical Research*
  • Cognition Disorders / chemically induced
  • Epidemiologic Studies*
  • Health Education
  • Health Promotion
  • Humans
  • Inhalant Abuse / complications
  • Inhalant Abuse / epidemiology*
  • Inhalant Abuse / physiopathology*
  • Inhalant Abuse / therapy
  • Mood Disorders / complications
  • Nervous System Diseases / chemically induced
  • Risk Factors
  • Socioeconomic Factors
  • United States / epidemiology