Inhalants
Volatile solvents, aerosols, gases, and alkyl nitrites (poppers). The most overlooked substance class in the field.
Latest reporting
The High That Was Already in the Cupboard
Inhalant use disorder kills by cardiac arrest on first use and slowly by neurological damage over years. It's undertreated, under-studied, and missing from most recovery conversations. It shouldn't be.
The Cheap High That's Killing Teenagers: Nitrous Oxide's 2026 Surge
Nitrous oxide deaths have risen more than 500% since 2010, with 12- and 13-year-olds now the highest-risk group. A University of Mississippi researcher explains what's driving the surge, what it does to the brain, and why our prevention architecture isn't built for it.
Inhalants in 2026: The Quietest Drug Story of the Year — and the One With the Most Preventable Damage
Nitrous-oxide-related deaths rose from 23 in 2010 to 156 in 2023. 2026 emergency-department case reports are catching the missing middle: people walking in with weakness and gait instability, leaving with a B12-deficiency myelopathy diagnosis. Here's what's actually happening — and how to stay safe.
Through eight lenses
Science
Solvents act as NMDA antagonists + GABA modulators; nitrites as smooth-muscle relaxants via NO; aerosols variable.
Inhalants in 2026: The Quietest Drug Story of the Year — and the One With the Most Preventable Damage
May 21Inhalants Spotlight: The B12 Story Behind the Spinal Cord Damage — and Why Catching It Early Matters
May 21The substance class we haven't talked about: inhalants, and why nitrous oxide is in the headlines for the worst reason
May 21
Biology
Sudden sniffing death syndrome (cardiac sensitization to catecholamines), hypoxia, leukoencephalopathy (toluene), hepatorenal toxicity.
Psychology
Typically first-used age 9–13, often precedes other substance use; associated with ACEs.
Policy
Mostly not controlled (volatile solvents legal); age-of-sale laws for specific products; poppers under ambiguous FDA status.
Trends
SAMHSA NSDUH tracks; resurgence concerns in some regions.
Treatment
Abstinence-based (no meds); family therapy; CRAFT.
Harm Reduction
Never use alone, ventilation, don't use with CNS depressants, education for parents and schools.