INHALATION OF VOLATILE SUBSTANCES - AN EMERGING THREAT TO READINESS

Volatile substance abuse is the deliberate inhalation of volatile subs tances to achieve intoxication. We discuss the history and pathophysio logical effects of commonly abused volatile substances. We explore thr ee deaths and one serious accident in active duty military settings. T he causes for abuse in the military environment are numerous and inclu de remote duty, peer influence, low cost, rapid onset, limitation of e thanol use, difficult detection/screening for use, and lack of knowled ge among users and authorities. The lethality of these substances and their casual use can constitute a threat to military readiness. Our ex perience suggests an increase in the use of these substances in the mi litary paralleling their increasing use in the general population. Edu cation and awareness training could limit fatalities and decrease the threat in military and civilian populations.