Adolescent inhalant misuse in the United States: Findings from the 2021-2023 national survey on drug use and health.

Abstract

Inhalant misuse poses serious risks to adolescents, but national estimates remain limited. This study estimated the prevalence of inhalant use and inhalant use disorder and identified associated risk factors. Data were drawn from 33,771 adolescents aged 12 to 17 years in the 2021 to 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, a nationally representative survey conducted in the United States. Weighted logistic regressions examined associations between inhalant use, inhalant use disorder, and sociodemographic and behavioral factors. Past-year inhalant use was 2.2%, past-month use was 0.7%, and 0.3% met Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition criteria for inhalant use disorder. Younger adolescents had the highest odds of use. Females had higher odds of inhalant use disorder despite similar use prevalence. Black adolescents had lower odds of past-year use, while American Indian or Alaska Native adolescents had higher odds of disorder and Asian adolescents had lower odds. Tobacco use and externalizing behaviors were strongly associated with both outcomes. Inhalant use is uncommon but clinically significant among adolescents. Prevention efforts should target early adolescence and co-occurring risk behaviors.