Inhalants

What are inhalants?#

Inhalants are chemical substances that give off fumes or vapors at room temperature. Breathing in these fumes produces euphoric feelings or a ‘high’, similar to intoxication, but can also cause serious damage and even death. Inhalants are also known as volatile substances or solvents.

Most inhalants are familiar household or everyday products that become dangerous when misused. ‘Chroming’ (inhaling aerosol spray paint) and petrol (gasoline) sniffing are two common forms of inhalant misuse, particularly among some young people.

Who uses inhalants?#

The typical inhalant user is a teenager in the first few years of secondary school. In one survey of secondary school students aged 12 to 17 years:

• 13 per cent had used inhalants in the past year, and of those, 43 per cent used them only once or twice
• 18 per cent had used inhalants at least once
• 7 per cent had used inhalants in the previous month

Some people also use inhalants such as amyl nitrite or nitrous oxide to heighten their experience when going out to party.

How inhalants work#

Inhalants are nervous system depressants, which means they slow down the workings of the brain. When inhaled, the fumes enter the bloodstream through the lungs very quickly, instead of through the stomach, so the effects are felt after just a few seconds. The effects mimic alcohol (another depressant) but come on much faster.

The effects of inhalants depend on the substance, the strength of the dose, the physical make-up of the user and their state of mind at the time.

Types of inhalants#

Most inhalants are not banned drugs. They are legal, everyday products that are harmful when used in an unsafe way. They may be solvents, gases, aerosols or nitrites. Commonly used inhalants include:

• aerosol products (such as spray paint)
• petrol (gasoline)
• glues (adhesives)
• paint and paint thinners
• hair spray
• cleaning fluid
• gas from lighters or barbecues (butane)
• nail polish remover
• felt pens
• cooking spray
• correction fluid
• oven cleaners
• nitrous oxide
• nitrites such as amyl, butyl and isobutyl nitrite (collectively known as alkyl nitrites or poppers)

Chroming#

Inhalant use is often referred to as ‘chroming’, but chroming is only one of several methods. It involves spraying (chrome) paint from an aerosol can into a plastic bag and then breathing in the vapors from the bag.

Petrol sniffing#

Petrol sniffing typically involves a small amount of fuel being placed in a can and inhaled. Some petrol sniffers engage in experimental or recreational use. Chronic sniffers use more frequently and intensively, and are more likely to suffer serious long-term effects.

Nitrous oxide#

Inhaling nitrous oxide produces a rapid rush of euphoria and a feeling of floating or excitement for a short time. Inhaling a large amount can cause loss of consciousness, and it can be fatal if you do not get enough oxygen (a condition known as hypoxia). Side effects can include a drop in blood pressure, fainting or heart attack. Long-term nitrous oxide inhalation can result in memory loss, brain damage and incontinence.

Effects of inhalants#

Common effects of inhalants include:

• feelings of excitement and euphoria
• fewer inhibitions
• loss of coordination
• risk-taking behavior
• dizziness
• sneezing, coughing and watering eyes
• a running nose
• a headache

Inhalants and other drugs#

Taking other drugs with inhalants, including over-the-counter or prescribed medications, can be dangerous. Using inhalants with other depressant drugs such as alcohol, benzodiazepines or opiates places enormous strain on the body. It can affect breathing rate and may increase the risk of passing out, suffocating or choking on vomit.

Overdose#

In high doses, inhalants can cause disorientation, nausea, diarrhea and nose bleeds. Symptoms of overdose can include hallucinations, drowsiness and coma.

Inhalant-related death#

Some inhalant-related deaths are thought to be caused by a condition called ‘sudden sniffing syndrome’. This is a type of heart failure that can occur if the user attempts physical exertion after inhaling. Users have also been accidentally killed by engaging in risky behaviors, such as jumping off high buildings while under the influence.

Dependence, tolerance and withdrawal#

Users can develop a psychological dependence on inhalants. However, research suggests that the risk of physical dependence is relatively small. Withdrawal symptoms are usually mild, but can include depression, anxiety, loss of appetite, dizziness, tremors and nausea.

Health effects of long-term use#

Using inhalants on a regular basis can lead to significant health problems, including:

• chemical poisoning, which can lead to brain, liver and kidney damage
• anemia
• weight loss
• muscle tremors
• irritability
• memory problems and other cognitive difficulties

Inhalant emergencies#

If someone you are with overdoses or has a bad reaction while using inhalants, call your local emergency number (for example 911 in the US and Canada, 112 across the EU and many countries, 999 in the UK, or 000 in Australia)

A quick response can save the person’s life. Don’t delay because you think you or your friend might get into trouble. Ambulance officers do not have to call the police. Stay with the person until the ambulance arrives and tell the ambulance officers as much as you can about what drugs were taken, how long ago and any pre-existing medical conditions the person may have.

Key points#

• Chroming is one of the most common forms of inhalant misuse, but it is only one of several methods.
• Common effects of inhalants include a running nose, dizziness and loss of coordination.
• Some inhalant-related deaths are thought to be caused by ‘sudden sniffing syndrome’.
• Users can develop a psychological dependence, but the risk of physical dependence is relatively small.
• Withdrawal symptoms are usually mild, but can include tremors and nausea.

Where to get help#