National Certified Addiction Counselor, Level I (NCAC I) Practice Exam

Inhalants are best described as:

1. Gases that can be inhaled and absorbed through the skin

2. Liquids that induce a state of relaxation

3. Gases administered to the body through breathing

4. Solid substances that release vapors when heated

The correct answer is: Gases administered to the body through breathing

Inhalants are primarily characterized by their ability to be inhaled for psychoactive effects. This makes the correct identification of inhalants as substances that produce vapors which can be drawn into the lungs when breathed in. This inhalation allows the substances to rapidly enter the bloodstream and affect the central nervous system, leading to the desired effects. While inhalants can encompass a variety of chemical forms—including gases, aerosols, and volatile substances—what distinctly classifies them is the method of use, which is inhalation. This is critical to understanding how they work and their classification as a category of substances abused for their psychoactive effects. Other descriptions do not accurately convey this primary characteristic. For instance, while some inhalants may be liquids and induce relaxation, the broadest and most accurate description centers around the inhalation process itself. Understanding inhalants as gases, liquids, or solids that provide effects through inhalation helps place their use in context regarding their potential for abuse and the associated risks.