Inhalant-related disorders

Inhalant drugs (sometimes called "volatile substances") are widely available and frequently misused, especially by adolescents. Abuse of inhalants is a persistent world-wide problem crossing cultural and geographic borders. It has been observed that inhalant abuse becomes more prevalent in Turkey. Among adolescents inhalants are the most commonly used drug, except for alcohol and tobacco. Some social and cultural groups are at risk for inhalant abuse. It has been suggested that inhalant abuse is a risk factor for antisocial personality disorder and other substance misuses. Chronic usage of these substances in higher concentration can produce serious medical problems. Inhalant-related disorders require full psychiatric assessment and appropriate treatment depending on the nature of psychiatric disorder. During and after such treatment, consideration needs to be given to ways in which the youngster can be rehabilitated and helped to avoid re-involvement in the habit.