Inhalants are a diverse group of chemicals found in consumer products such as aerosols and cleaning solvents. Inhalant use can cause a number of physical and emotional problems, and even one-time use can results in death. Some of the more common are nitrous oxide (laughing gas), amyl nitrite (poppers or snappers), butyl nitrite (rush, bolt, bullet, locker room and climax), chlorohydrocarbons (aerosol sprays or cleaning fluids) and hydrocarbons (cans of aerosol propellants, gasoline, glue, paint thinner). These products are inhaled to create a rush, or high. They also cause a rapid pulse, a feeling of disorientation and impaired judgment, among other effects.

 

More than 1,000 common products are potential inhalants that can injure and kill, including:

• Glue

• Freon

• Correction fluid

• Computer agents

• Deodorizers

• Markers

• Paint products

• Gases (whippets, butane, propane)

• Gasoline

• Fire extinguishers

• Nail polish remover

• Lighter fluid

• Hair spray

• Cleaning agents

 

Possible negative effects of using inhalants include:

• Dizziness, headache, muscle weakness, abdominal pain

• Visual hallucinations and severe mood swings

• Numbness and tingling of hands and feet

• Nausea, nosebleeds, coughing, sneezing

• Irregular heartbeat

• Violent behavior, suffocation, sudden death

• Liver, lung and kidney damage

• Brain and nervous system damage

• Dangerous chemical imbalances in the body

• Involuntary passing of urine and feces

 

Long-term use of inhalants has been associated with irreversible brain damage. When inhalant use continues over a period of time, the user will probably develop a tolerance to inhalants. This means that the user will need more frequent use and greater amounts of the substance to achieve the effects desired. This, in turn, increases the risk of suffering possible negative effects. Ahysical dependence to the inhalant also can develop, causing hallucinations, headaches, chills, tremors and stomach cramps when the user tries to give up the habit.

 

Online resources:

• Information on inhalants from Partnership to End Addiction

• Information on inhalants from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration