Which of the following is a general indicator of inhalant use?

Disorientation is a common general indicator of inhalant use due to the psychoactive effects those substances have on the brain. Inhalants can impair cognitive functions, leading to confusion and a disrupted sense of reality. Users may exhibit signs of disorientation, which can manifest as difficulty in following conversations, inconsistent responses to questions, or a lack of awareness of their surroundings. This symptom aligns with the neurological impact inhalants have, as they can depress the central nervous system and alter a user's perception and judgment.

In contrast, difficulty in speech may be associated with various conditions and not exclusively linked to inhalant use. "On the nod" is more often connected with opioid use, while fresh puncture marks typically indicate intravenous drug use rather than inhalants. Thus, disorientation is a key indicator, as it directly reflects the effects inhalants have on cognitive abilities.