Volatile inhalant withdrawal is a group of symptoms, behaviours, and physiological changes that can occur when individuals who are dependent on inhalants abruptly reduce or stop their use. This condition is most often seen in those who have engaged in prolonged or heavy inhalant use.

Inhalant use disorder is a type of substance use disorder which is characterized by the use of inhalants such as the use of volatile hydrocarbons from gases or glues, fuels, paints among other volatile substances which leads to clinically significant impairment or distress. In the United States, adolescents aged 12 - 17 are at higher risk, with an estimated 0.4% of this age group meeting the criteria for inhalant use disorder.

Individuals can use inhalants without meeting the criteria for a substance use disorder. It is reported that around 10% of teenagers ages 13 - 17 have used inhalants once in their lifetime. Around 20% will develop an inhalant use disorder. It is also reported that 4% of 8th graders had used inhalants within the past year in 2024.

Adolescents are at increased risk for inhalant use which if left untreated can progress to inhalant use disorder. Early identification, screening, and treatment of inhalant use may help prevent progression to inhalant use disorder.

The severity and duration of volatile inhalant withdrawal symptoms can vary. Common symptoms may include dysphoria, insomnia, transient illusions, anxiety, irritability, nausea, shakiness, perspiration.

Difluoroethane (DFE) is an inexpensive volatile substance that is commonly found in household items. DFE can be found in compressed air dusters, refrigerants, and propellants and can be utilized to induce a brief sense of euphoria when inhaled. DFE works by being a central nervous system (CNS) depressant.

Symptoms of withdrawal from volatile inhalant use are reported to vary, but approximately 50% patients reported experiencing withdrawal symptoms. Symptoms usually start 1 - 2 days after the last time the volatile inhalant was used and last anywhere from 3 - 7 days. Psychotic symptoms, such as hallucinations, usually resolve quickly but other symptoms such as anxiety or insomnia can last for weeks after stopping inhalant use.

Inhalants act quickly because they are volatile substances and are fat soluble. This property allows them to quickly cross the blood brain barrier and cause a rapid feeling of euphoria and changes to thinking and behavior. There are a variety of different methods to use inhalants. Some of these methods include "sniffing," "bagging," and "huffing." "Sniffing" refers to inhaling fumes directly from a product or its open container. "Bagging" refers to the method of use that involves spraying or releasing the inhalable substance into a bag and inhaling the contents immediately afterwards. Lastly, "huffing" refers to the method of use where the inhalable substance is sprayed or poured onto a rag or cloth and the fumes from the cloth are inhaled. There are other ways to use these substances, but all methods contain inhalation to provide a rapid sense of euphoria.