The Latest National Survey Reveals Inhalant Abuse Statistics

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAHMSA) recently released a national survey on substance abuse from 2008 to 2009. The survey revealed that substance abuse has generally increased, and inhalants were particularly popular for first-time substance abusers.

Youth Statistics

- Inhalant abuse rate has not decreased among youths since 2002.

- Inhalants are popular first-time drugs. About 3.1 million people aged over 12 used an illicit drug for the first time in 2009. Among them, a startling 9.8 percent chose inhalants as their first illicit drug.

- Youths also make up the majority of inhalant abusers. In 2009, 0.8 million people aged 12 or older used inhalants, and 67.9 percent of them were under age 18 when they first used inhalants.

- 10.0 percent of all youths aged 12 to 17 were illicit drug users in 2009, and 1.0 percent of them used inhalants.

- Among 12 or 13 year olds, 1.4 percent used inhalants, and 0.8 percent of 14, 15, 16, or 17 year olds used inhalants.

- The average age of first-time inhalant abuser remains under the age of 17 since 2008. In 2008, the average age was 15.9, and in 2009, it was 16.9 years.

Adult Statistics

- Among adults aged 26 or older, 6.3% percent were current illicit drug users in 2009, and inhalants were used by 0.1 percent of them.

Overall Dependency

- About 164,000 people aged 12 or older developed dependence on inhalants in 2009.

Statistical information as well as graphical representation for this report are accredited to SAMHSA's full report, which is available here. Please feel free to check it out for more detailed information on inhalant abuse.

Study: Reverse In Teen Drug Use Attitudes

From the Partnership for a Drug Free America:


A study released earlier this week shows significant increases in adolescent drug use. Data gathered between 1998 and 2008, showed upticks in usage and attitudes among 9-12 graders who responded to the Partnership Attitude Tracking Study.


Only two thirds of teens indicated that inhalant abuse can kill. The 4% retreat for the previous year hints at a potential increase in the now-steady 10% usage rate among teens.


Researches also noted a disturbing shift in attitudes toward drug use as teens have relaxed their inhibitions. Specifically, 51% of teens surveyed in 2009 answered the statement "being high feels good" in the affirmative which is a 6% jump from the previous year. This, the report suggests, coupled with decrease funding for substance abuse programs and parental inaction have resulted in a decade-long reverse in drug use attitudes. Nearly 33% of parents indicated their teen's drug use is beyond experimental but are paralyzed by shame and fear.