Inhalants refers to chemical substances that are misused by sniffing or huffing in order to achieve a high. These drugs can be dangerous because they can be found in common household items such as cleaning fluids, paint, glue, and other regularly used substances. Inhalant drugs create an intoxication that is similar to alcohol. They are often abused by teens who cannot yet legally buy alcohol.
What are inhalant drugs?
Many drugs can be administered by inhaling, but inhalant drugs can only be used when inhaled. They may be huffed, sniffed, or sprayed directly into the mouth or nose. Individuals who abuse inhalants may also soak a rag in chemicals or inhale them out of a bag or balloon. Inhalants are further subdivided into categories depending on which form they take. These are: aerosols, volatile solvents, gases, and nitrites.
Aerosol inhalants
Aerosols are inhalants that are sprayed. They contain solvents and propellants that disperse the aerosol. Commonly used aerosol inhalants include:
- Spray paint
- Hair spray
- Spray deodorant
- Sprayable cooking oil
- Compressed air cleaners
- Fabric protector spray
Volatile solvents
Volatile solvents are categorized together because they all vaporize when they are at room temperature. Commonly abused volatile solvents include:
- Paint thinner
- Gasoline
- Paint remover
- Degreasers
- Glue
- Correction fluid
- Markers
- Dry cleaning fluid
Gases used as inhalants
Inhalant gases include anesthetics and other gases that are huffed without medical need to achieve a high. Common gases that can be used as inhalants include:
- Medical anesthetics
- Ether
- Nitrous oxide
- Chloroform
- Halothane
- Propane from tanks
- Butane from lighters
- Refrigerants
Nitrites used as inhalants
Contrary to most inhalants, which affect the nervous system, nitrites relax muscles and dilate blood vessels. They are found in commercial or medical products and are known as “poppers” or “snappers.” In some cases, they are used to enhance sexual pleasure. Common nitrites used as inhalants include:
- Amyl nitrate
- Butyl nitrite
- Cyclohexyl nitrite
Inhalants cause intoxication that is similar to that of alcohol, though specific short-term effects vary according to the type of inhalant used. Generally speaking, inhalant use can cause:
- Impaired judgment
- Impaired coordination
- Slurred speech
- Lightheadedness
- Headache
- Giddiness
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Nausea or vomiting
In addition to these potential side effects, the use of nitrites can also cause:
- Elevated heart rate
- Elevated blood pressure
- Flushed skin
- Sensation of body warmth
Signs of inhalant abuse and addiction
Inhalant drug use or addiction may be identifiable by several warning signs. These signs of inhalant abuse include:
- Intoxication unrelated to the use of alcohol
- Chemical smells on a person or their belongings
- Runny nose and red eyes
- Paint stains on the face, hands, or clothing
- Irritability, excitability, or hostility that is out of character
- Sores around the mouth
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea and vomiting that is not accounted for by other illness or substance use
- Empty paint cans and chemicals that don’t have a justified use
- Rags that smell like chemicals
Dangers of abusing inhalants
Since many household products contain high amounts of toxic chemicals, inhalant abuse is extremely dangerous. Prolonged use of inhalants can damage important body systems including the nervous system and the respiratory system among others. Some potential fatal dangers of abusing inhalants include:
- Asphyxiation because of less oxygen in the lungs
- Choking as a result of vomiting while unconscious
- Coma
- Convulsions
- Suffocation resulting from inhaling from a bag
- Fatal injury due to impaired judgment
- Risky behavior leading to accidents
Abusing inhalants while pregnant can additionally cause developmental issues in the growing fetus. This could lead to skeletal abnormalities and neurobiological delays in the child.
Inhalant addiction treatment
Though inhalants do not necessarily contain addictive substances, ongoing inhalant abuse may create changes in the body that lead to withdrawal when inhalant use is discontinued. This is because the body can adjust to the chemical changes that occur in the brain due to inhalant use. When discontinued, they may experience symptoms of withdrawal that include nausea, vomiting, depression, and anxiety.
In part due to these withdrawal symptoms, inhalants have a high rate of relapse. Users may require medical detox as a first step in their addiction treatment. During detox, medical professionals can monitor their condition and alleviate distressing symptoms of withdrawal. After detox, they can proceed to therapy.
As part of inpatient treatment, therapy is held at regular intervals both with a therapist or therapists and with peers in group therapy. Therapy aims to address issues that may be affecting inhalant use, including co-occurring mental health disorders and co-occurring substance abuse issues. In addition to that, individuals learn healthier habits, coping skills, and relapse prevention.
Inhalants FAQs
Can I become addicted to inhalants?
Addiction is made up in part by the presence of tolerance and withdrawal, which are jointly required for physical dependence. Though it may be difficult to develop tolerance to inhalants, research has shown that individuals who abuse inhalants can experience withdrawal symptoms, making it difficult to stop using inhalants.
What can I do if I suspect a loved one is abusing inhalants?
If you suspect a child or other loved one is using inhalants, you should speak with them calmly and honestly about your concerns, including the dangers of inhalants on their health. This conversation should not take place while the person is intoxicated as their reasoning and judgment will be impaired, and the intervention will be unlikely to be productive.
Can inhalant use be deadly?
Inhalants are particularly dangerous because even using them once can lead to death. Sniffing or huffing inhalants affect important functions and can lead to suffocation, asphyxiation, or cardiac arrest. It’s also likely to severely impair motor functioning and reasoning, resulting in life-threatening accidents or injuries.
What are the signs and symptoms of inhalant abuse?
The signs and symptoms of inhalant abuse can vary depending on the specific substance being used. However, common signs include chemical odors on breath or clothing, slurred speech, dizziness, confusion, nausea, and loss of coordination.
Inhalant Drug Abuse Recovery at Austin Pines Ranch
If you’re looking for a peaceful and private place to focus on your recovery from inhalant drug abuse, Austin Pines Ranch is waiting for you. Located on a peaceful 14-acre ranch in the Austin Metropolitan area, we provide empirically-supported addiction treatment that is individualized for people from all walks of life.
If you or a loved one is suffering from inhalant abuse or addiction, contact our treatment center today at (877) 982-3600. Our knowledgeable team of medical doctors, nurses, addiction specialists, therapists, and caseworkers are committed to your well-being and care. Whether you’re local to Austin or you’re looking for a fresh start in a new setting, Austin Pines can be your safe haven and provide the tools you need to start a healthy life free from inhalant drug use.
