Harm reduction in volatile inhalant use
Harm reduction in disorders of volatile inhalant use can be helpful, such as teaching patients, particularly young people:
- to avoid putting plastic bags over their heads when ‘bagging’
- to avoid smoking when using inhalants
- how to provide first aid
- to call an ambulance if they are worried about themselves or a friendFrancis, 2020.
Consider offering a printable patient information sheet on ways to reduce harms from substance use.
See Ensuring the safety of a person with a disorder of substance use or addictive behaviour for further advice on immediate safety issues, such as managing agitation, as well as impacts of substance use on fitness to work and to drive. For other harm reduction measures to consider for any person with a disorder of substance use or addictive behaviour, see Harm reduction; these include managing sexual health risks for people who have ‘chemsex’1 (eg people who use amyl nitrite).