Inhalant Abuse with Topical Decongestant in Adolescent with Conduct Disorder: A Case Report

Inhalant abuse is fairly common among conduct disorder subjects. Oral intake of a common cough and cold topical decongestant, which is marketed by the name Vicks VapoRub, is rarely documented. A case report describing a 17-year-old male with conduct disorder who developed dependency on a topical decongestant was managed with both pharmacological and non-pharmacological methods and followed up. At a two-week follow- up, the patient showed significant improvement in behavior and cessation of substance use with pharmacological and non-pharmacological intervention. The case emphasizes the need for clinicians to screen for unconventional inhalant abuse in adolescents with behavioral disturbances and the need for implementation of firm guidelines on availability of such products.