Unlike some substances where low levels of use may carry minimal risk, no level of volatile substance use is safe due to its unique harm profile. 

Volatile substances, like all psychoactive drugs, can lead to addiction. 

If you or someone you support is seeking help for volatile substance use, a health worker may use the SACS-ABC framework, which includes a questionnaire to identify young people at risk and helps guide brief interventions. The SACS questionnaire can be completed through websites and apps for young people, including headstrong.org.nz and thebriefquiz.web.app. If you are using any amount of volatile substances, please seek support. More information about SACS-ABC framework can be found on Whāraurau’s website.

Sudden Sniffing Death Syndrome (SSDS) 

Sudden Sniffing Death Syndrome (SSDS) is a phenomenon unique to the use of volatile substances. It is commonly caused by a surge of adrenaline shortly after use, which can cause the heart to stop.  

If there is any surge in adrenaline, which may occur when someone is startled or becomes more active (including movement, or even reactions such as laughing), this can trigger cardiac arrhythmia/arrest (known commonly as a heart attack).  

SSDS can occur at any level of use, even the first time using. As many as 50% of inhalant-related deaths are caused by SSDS. 

Some ways that you can reduce the risk of SSDS include:

  • Do not startle, yell at, or otherwise frighten anyone using volatile substances. 
  • If you encounter someone using volatile substances, give the person as much space as you can when they come to. This reduces the risk they will have a strong reaction that may harm them (or you). 
  • Remain calm. 
  • Anyone who has just used volatile substances should avoid exercise, big movements, or laughter after using. Ideally, all unnecessary movement is avoided, and they should be gently propped up against a chair or wall and monitored for changes in their state.  

Other causes of overdose 

Harm and potential fatalities related to volatile substance use can also happen as a result of: 

  • Hypoxia, when the concentration of fumes in the lungs is too high, reducing oxygen availability.
  • Suffocation
  • Seizures​
  • Fatal accidents from using in unsafe places – i.e. falling on to the road, using in enclosed spaces which can become a fire hazard, and fumes from the substance catching fire​ 
  • Poisoning.

Responding to an overdose

Here are some important things to keep in mind if you are responding to a suspected volatile substances overdose. Never startle someone who is using volatile substances, as this can cause serious impacts, including death. 

If exhibiting symptoms of overdose, call 111 right away. ​

Symptoms include: 

  • Not being able to be woken up 
  • Seizures 
  • Severe vomiting and/or nosebleeds 
  • Severe confusion or hallucinations 
  • Difficult breathing 
  • Agitation, or harming themselves or others. 

  1. Assess the area for danger, especially fire hazards​.
  2. Check the person’s airway is clear​. 
  3. If you can, perform CPR​. 
  4. Access your nearest AED machine. 

  1. Do not restrain them, position them on their side if possible. 
  2. Once seizing has stopped, place in a stable side position. 

  • Due to the risk of SSDS, ensure they don’t run, laugh, scream or exert unnecessary energy for around an hour after use. Staying as still & calm as possible is ideal. Gently prop them up against a chair or wall, and make sure their airways are open (i.e. ensure their neck isn’t down to their chin).  ​ 
  • Ensure any blankets or bags are removed from their head immediately. If it is safe to do so, create some airflow or get the person to fresh air gently. ​
  • Ensure the person is out of the way of any environmental hazards, like roads. ​ 
  • Keep them company until further support arrives, or they start to feel better. Make sure they don’t huff again or use other substances directly after the incident. 
  • If the person has swallowed some of the volatile substance, keep the container if it’s safe to do so and call the National Poisons Center. They will ask you to read exactly what was in the substance they used. Do not assume you can just make the person vomit – some substances will do more damage on the way back up.
  • If the person has overdosed, take their substance with you when seeking medical help – it can help medical professionals treat them.
  • If the person is still breathing, place them in the recovery position – they can choke on their own vomit after inhaling volatile substances. 

You can download resources around responding to volatile substance use and overdose:

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