Description

This review examines published and unpublished literature about interventions designed to combat volatile substance misuse (VSM), defined as the deliberate inhalation of a volatile substance in order to achieve a change in mental state. The focus is on interventions in Australia, but we have also sought and incorporated evidence from overseas. It is an updated edition of one initially published in 2000 by the Cooperative Research Centre for Aboriginal and Tropical Health as ‘Petrol sniffing in Aboriginal communities: a review of interventions’. Whereas the earlier review was restricted in scope to petrol sniffing, the updated review covers other forms of VSM such as inhalation of aerosol paints, and other settings besides remote communities. Volatile substances (also known as inhalants) are usually classified into four groups: solvents-liquids or semi-liquids that vaporise at room temperature, such as glues and petrol; gases-medical anaesthetics and fuel gases, such as lighter fuels; aerosols – sprays containing propellants and solvents, such as aerosol paints; and nitrites – amyl nitrite or cyclohexyl nitrite found in room deodorizers. This review covers the first three categories. The review is divided into three parts. The first covers prevalence, patterns, causes and consequences of VSM. Part two is concerned with interventions, which are grouped under four categories: supply reduction – actions taken to limit the availability of volatile substances, either by restricting their accessibility or by substituting products with less toxic alternatives; demand reduction – measures aiming at discouraging VSM; harm reduction – measures which reduce the risk of harm from VSM, without necessarily reducing its prevalence; and law enforcement – statutory and community-based measures aimed at enforcing laws, bylaws or other sanctions relating to VSM. Part three integrates findings from part two into a framework which provides a basis for planning interventions.