It has been highlighted in many reports that the reporting of inhalant abuse is an area of extreme sensitivity.  Media reports have the potential to either assist in reducing the incidence of inhalant abuse or conversely increase the incidence by promoting inhalant use. 

While there are no inhalant specific media guidelines, the 1985 Senate Select Committee on Volatile Fumes (p. v) requested that the media be guided by the following considerations:

• That the products subject to abuse not be named and the methods used not be described nor depicted.
• Reports of inhalant abuse deaths should be factual, and not sensationalised or glamourised.
• Articles on casualties of volatile substance abuse should not be superficial.  The causes are complex, they vary from region to region, and may be different for each individual involved.  Reliable organisations should be contacted for information.
• Stories should include a local contact telephone number or source organisation for further information.

Source:  Senate Select Committee on Volatile Fumes (1985) Volatile substance abuse in Australia, Canberra: AGPS

Other useful information
Australian Press Council (2001) Reporting guidelines: drugs and drug addiction [website]

Mindframe Media (2008) Reporting suicide and mental illness: a resource for media professionals
[website]

{ page updated: 15 October 2009 }