About volatile substance use
There is continuing concern about the misuse of volatile substances in Western Australia, particularly when used by young people. Volatile substance use (VSU) is a dangerous practice which can have devastating effects on the user, their families and communities.
The extent of VSU in Western Australia is difficult to determine, however it has been identified as an issue of concern in some regional towns and communities and some parts of metropolitan Perth. While the overall number of volatile substance users may not be large, it can have a disproportionate effect on a community.
VSU tends to be cyclical, episodic and highly localised in nature with differing trends emerging over time. VSU occurs across pockets of metropolitan, regional and remote communities, and includes both non Aboriginal and Aboriginal people.
For more information about VSU, see the following pages of this website:
| KEY RESOURCES | YEAR | ID # |
|---|---|---|
document
Consensus-based clinical practice guideline for the management of volatile substance use in AustraliaNational Health and Medical Research Council. Guidelines for health professionals to identify, assess and treat people who use volatile substances in metropolitan, rural and remote communities across Australia. Part of a series of resources (NHMRC-1, NHMRC-1a, NHMRC-1b). |
2011 | NHMRC-1 |
document
Consensus-based clinical practice guidleine for the management of volatile substance use in Australia - AppendicesNational Health and Medical Research Council. Includes overview of the guideline development process, clinical questions and evidence tables. Part of a series of resources (NHMRC-1, NHMRC-1a, NHMRC-1b). |
2011 | NHMRC-1a |
document
Caring for people who sniff petrol or other volatile substances: A quick reference guide for health workersNational Health and Medical Research Council. A summary of the NHMRC "Consensus-based clinical practice guideline for the management of volatile substance use in Australia". Part of a series of resources (NHMRC-1a, NHMRC-1b, NHMRC-1). |
2011 | NHMRC-1bv |
document
Volatile substance misuse: A review of interventionsd'Abbs, P. & MacLean, S., Department of Health and Ageing. Australian Government review examining literature about interventions designed to address volatile substance use. |
2008 | DHA-2 |
document
Western Australian Taskforce on Butane Misuse: Report and recommendationsTaskforce on Butane Misuse. Report and recommendations of the WA Taskforce on Butane Misuse, established in 2006. |
2006 | TBM-1 |
document
National directions on inhalant abuse: Final reportDepartment of Human Services, Victoria. National Inhalant Abuse Taskforce. Considers existing initiatives, programs and strategies to address inhalant abuse in Australia and makes recommendations for a national response to inhalant abuse. |
2005 | DHSV-3 |