Reducing the harm

The Drug Foundation’s message is clear: no drug use is the safest drug use. But we realise there will be occasions when people ignore warnings and use drugs. In order to limit the harm from their drug use, we provide information about effective methods of drug harm minimisation. Such information directly benefits the person using drugs, and also protects the wider community.

Those intending to use inhalants should note the following list of steps that should be taken to help reduce the risks involved:

• Surround yourself with a close group of friends at all times and make sure not all are using solvents so they can look after you if something goes wrong
• Do not spray aerosols directly into the mouth. This can be very dangerous. One effect is that the substance is very cold and may freeze the throat causing breathing to become very irregular or stop
• Do not use lighters or matches around inhalants as they are often very flammable
• Do not put plastic bags over your head as this can cause suffocation.
• Do not drive while under the influence of inhalants as they can affect coordination and the ability to judge speed and distance
• Do not combine inhalants with alcohol use as effects can be very unpredictable
• Do not use inhalants if you have a personal or family history of mental health problems
• Do not use inhalants when in a negative state of mind; or to cloud negative feelings as use can intensify those negative feelings. Also you are more likely to become aggressive and engage in risky behaviours that may harm yourself and/or others.