Inhalant abuse typically involves which of the following methods of ingestion?

Inhalant abuse primarily involves sniffing or huffing as the method of ingestion. This process includes the inhalation of volatile substances found in household products—such as glues, paints, and solvents—directly through the nose or mouth. These substances vaporize easily and produce psychoactive effects when delivered rapidly into the bloodstream through the lungs.

Sniffing refers to taking in fumes from an open container, while huffing often involves soaking a cloth in the substance and then inhaling it through the mouth. This method is particularly appealing to users because it can produce a quick high and is relatively accessible since many inhalants are common household items.

Other methods of ingestion like injection, swallowing, or vaping are not typical for inhalant abuse. Injection and swallowing involve more complex procedures and often pertain to other types of drugs, while vaping typically refers to e-cigarettes and does not involve the same volatile substances used in inhalants. As a result, sniffing or huffing is the method that correctly characterizes inhalant abuse.