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Harm reduction practices

 While it is acknowledged that there is no safe level of inhalant use and the use of inhalants should be discouraged, there are some chronic users who will continue to abuse inhalants regardless of efforts to stop them.  For these users, harm reduction strategies may help to minimise harmful outcomes. 

The Western Australian Volatile substance use: a resource for professionals (2008) published by the Drug and Alcohol Office, suggests the following action regarding harm reduction:  

• Encourage not using volatile substances.
• Encourage not using volatile substances alone.
• Discourage people from using volatile substances in small, enclosed spaces.
• Encourage less risky methods of use.
• Avoid using in risky situations.
• Encourage a shift to less toxic substances.
• Raise awareness about taking care not to ignite volatile substances (ie. avoid smoking when using volatile substances).
• Avoid mixing volatile substance use with any other drug or alcohol use.
• Don’t surprise or chase volatile substance users as this may lead to sudden death.

For more discussion on Harm Reduction strategies see Chapter 9 Harm Reduction in d’Abbs, P & MacLean, S (2008) Volatile substance misuse: a review of interventions, Monograph Series (National Drug Strategy (Australia), No. 65, Canberra: Australian Government, Dept. of Health and Ageing. [pdf - 781 kB]

Legislative / Policing responses

Legislative responses in several States and Territories are aimed at reducing the harms associated with inhalants abuse.  These include allowing police to search a person suspected of being in possession of products for the purpose of inhalation, confiscation of inhalant products or equipment (e.g. Plastic bags) and the apprehension and removal to a place of safety of intoxicated persons. 

Queensland
-Section 603-606 of the Police Powers and Responsibilities Act 2000.

Western Australia
-Part 2 of the Protective Custody Act 2000.

Victoria
-Division 1, part 4 of the Drugs, Poisons and Controlled Substances Act 1981.
-Part 1 of the Drugs, Poisons and Controlled Substances (Volatile Substances) Act 2003.

Northern Territory
-Section 13-30 of the Volatile Substance Abuse Prevention Act 2005.

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{ page updated: 16 October 2009 }