What is an indicator of inhalant use disorder?

Unsuccessful attempts to cut down on inhalant use is indeed a key indicator of inhalant use disorder. This characteristic reflects a hallmark feature of substance use disorders, known as a lack of control over substance use. Individuals struggling with this disorder often find themselves unable to reduce or stop their use, despite recognizing that it is having negative impacts on their lives. This may include problems in social, occupational, or other vital areas of functioning as a consequence of their substance use.

Inhalant use disorder can involve a range of psychological and behavioral symptoms, but the aspect of facing repeated failure in efforts to quit is critical to the diagnostic criteria. It emphasizes the compulsive nature of the disorder and aligns with the pattern seen in many substance use disorders where the individual’s attempts to regain control over their use are thwarted.

Other considerations such as social withdrawal or physical health symptoms like frequent headaches may be associated with inhalant use, but they do not directly signify the presence of an inhalant use disorder in the way unsuccessful attempts to cut down do. Increased physical activity, while it can be a behavioral change, does not necessarily correlate with inhalant use disorder and may even be misleading in this context. Thus, the focus on the inability to reduce use captures the severity and