Inhalant users risk devastating medical consequences. Sniffing glue, "chroming," "huffing," and "bagging" are just some methods people use to get a quick high. Few people realize that such practice can cause permanent brain damage, destruction of the heart, liver and other organs and even death. The highly concentrated chemicals in solvents or aerosol sprays can induce irregular and rapid heart rhythms and lead to "sudden sniffing death."
What are inhalants?
Inhalants are chemical substances that produce mind-altering effects when sniffed or inhaled. A few common examples:
Solvents such as glue, correction fluid, nail polish remover, gasoline, butane and paint thinner
Aerosols include hair spray, whipped cream canisters, computer cleaner, spray paint and refrigerator or air conditioning coolants (such as freon)
Medical anesthetic gases such as ether, chloroform and nitrous oxide (laughing gas or "whippets")
Nitrites (flammable liquids that are highly volatile and often sweet-smelling)
Amyl nitrite is used legally for certain diagnostic medical procedures. It was originally obtainable without a prescription, but abuse of the substance by nonpatients has changed that. It comes in a sealed, cloth-covered bulb that makes a snapping sound when broken, earning it street names such as "poppers" and "snappers."
Short-term dangers of inhalants
Inhaled nitrites dilate blood vessels, increase heart rate and produce a sensation of heat and excitement that can last for several minutes. Most inhalants produce a drunken, light-headed "high" that is typically short-lived. Other symptoms include:
Nausea
Loss of appetite
Nosebleeds
Coughing fits
Disorientation
Loss of coordination, making it hard to walk or even stand for about 15 minutes after sniffing
Asphyxiation or suffocation
Convulsions or seizures
Coma
Heart rates shoot up, disturbing the heart rhythm and sapping the body of oxygen
Using inhalants can result in death due to cardiac arrest -- even the first time they are tried. It's also very easy to have an accident, since inhalants are highly flammable.
Long-term dangers of inhalants
A strong need to continue using inhalants has been reported by many individuals, particularly those who have abused inhalants for prolonged periods over many days. Compulsive use and a mild withdrawal syndrome can occur with long-term inhalant abuse. Inhalant abuse can result in permanent brain damage and widespread destruction of organs such as the heart and lungs. Extended periods of abuse can cause:
Personality changes
Learning disabilities
Memory loss
Slurred speech
Difficulties with balance and coordination
Vision problems
Nerve damage causing numbness or paralysis in the arms or legs
Hearing loss
Liver damage
Lung damage
Reduced muscle tone
Damage to bone marrow
Although problems may not be immediately apparent, some users have noticed a change in their mental abilities after using inhalants.
Signs that someone is abusing inhalants
Signals vary depending on the intensity and duration of use. The following range from the minor, when abuse is minimal or infrequent, to the extreme, when permanent damage may have occurred:
Sitting with a pen or marker near the nose
Unusual chemical odor (in the room, on clothing, or on the body)
Constant smelling of sleeves or wiping of the nose on the sleeve
Rags, cloths, or empty household product containers found hidden in closets, under beds or elsewhere
Whipped cream canisters or other products are disappearing or quickly emptying
Uncharacteristic nosebleeds
Marks around the nose or mouth
Sores and rashes around the mouth may suggest inhalant abuse
Paint marks or other strange smudges on the hands or face
Red or runny eyes or nose
Nausea and/or loss of appetite
Slurred or disorganized speech
General disorientation (a drunken or dizzy appearance)
Lack of coordination and staggering
Chronic inhalant abusers may show such symptoms as:
Anxiety
Excitability
Irritability
Restlessness
Withdrawal symptoms include:
Irritability
Speedy heart rate
Headaches
Hallucinations
Abdominal pains
Shaking
In the case of some inhalants, especially solvents, a user may develop a tolerance and need to inhale higher concentrations for longer periods of time in order to continue getting high. Physical dependence is unlikely, but psychological dependence is common.
If you discover someone in distress
Call 911 immediately and stay calm. If the user becomes agitated, his or her heart may overwork, which can lead to Sniffing Sudden Death Syndrome from cardiac arrest.
While waiting for the ambulance, open windows and keep the room well-ventilated. If the person stops breathing, begin CPR. After the person recovers, urge him or her to seek counseling and professional help.
Learn more about substance use and addiction in the Addition Toolkit.
