Inhalant Intoxication 539
Associated Features Supporting Diagnosis
Inhalant intoxication may be indicated by eviden ce of possession, or lingering odors, of in-
halant substances (e.g., glue, paint thinner, gasoline, butane lighters); apparent intoxica-
tion occurring in the age range with the highest prevalence of inhalant use (12–17 years);
and apparent intoxication with negative results from the standard drug screens that usu-
ally fail to identify inhalants.
Prevalence
The prevalence of actual episode s of inhalant intoxication in the general population is un-
known, but it is probable that most inhalant users would at some time exhibit use that
would meet criteria for inhalant intoxication disorder. Therefore, the prevalence of inhal-
ant use and the prevalence of inhalant intoxi cation disorder are likely similar. In 2009 and
2010, inhalant use in the past year was reported by 0.8% of all Americans older than 12 years;
the prevalence was highest in younger age groups (3.6% for individuals 12 to 17 years old,
and 1.7% for individuals 18 to 25 years old).
Gender-Related Diagnostic Issues
Gender differences in the prevalence of inhalant intoxication in the general population are
unknown. However, if it is assumed that most inhalant users eventually experience inhal-
ant intoxication, gender differences  in the prevalence of inhalant users  likely approximate
those in the proportions of males and females experiencing inhalant intoxication. Regard-
ing gender differences in the pr evalence of inhalant users in the United States, 1% of males
older than 12 years and 0.7% of females older than 12 years have used inhalants in the pre-