Inhalant abuse involves the inhalation or “huffing” of fumes produced by a variety of aerosol spray, solvents, gas and nitrite-containing products in order to achieve a short-lived high. There are hundreds of everyday household products used for huffing in the quest to experience the desired psychoactive effect.
In the majority of cases, but certainly not all, it’s mostly teens that tend to misuse inhalants. This is because the products are easily found under the kitchen sink, in the garage, or even in the refrigerator. Continue reading to learn more about inhalants and the serious health effects that can result from their use.
What substances are considered inhalants?
The term “inhalants” refers to a broad range of products that can produce chemical vapors or fumes that, when inhaled, produce mind-altering effects. The individual inhales the fumes or gases hoping to experience a rush. Effects include euphoria, relaxation, hallucinations, impared judgment and a sense of peaceful calm.
There are four main categories of inhalants, including:
- Aerosols: Spray paint, vegetable oil spray, hair spray, spray deodorant and aerosolized computer cleaning products
- Volatile solvents: Paint thinners, gasoline, glues, degreasers, dry-cleaning fluids, lighter fluid and felt-tip markers.
- Gases: Propane tanks, Freon, whipped cream canisters, butane lighters, chloroform, nitrous oxide and ether.
- Nitrites: Amyl nitrite, butyl nitrite, room deodorizer, leather cleaner, liquid aroma and video head cleaner.
- There are various ways that someone might engage in huffing. One way involves dousing a rag with the substance and holding it up to the nose and inhaling the vapors. Other methods are to inhale straight from a canister of nitrous, like those used for filling helium balloons or sucking the gas out of a whipped cream can. Another way to consume these substances is by “bagging,” the practice of placing a bag over the head when inhaling the fumes or gases for an intensified effect.
Because the fumes from these products go straight from the capillaries in the lungs and directly into the bloodstream, the effects are felt quickly and last only a few minutes. For that reason, individuals may consume the substance multiple times to experience a constant, longer-lasting high.
Dangers of inhalants
Inhalants pose a serious health risk to those who engage in what they mistakenly believe as just seeking a harmless high. The effects vary depending on which product is being misused:
Effects of huffing volatile solvents might include:
- Muscle weakness
- Loss of coordination
- Slurred speech
- Memory problems
- Mood swings
- Impulsive behaviors
- Weight loss
- Trouble concentrating
- Depression
- Lung damage
- Liver damage
- Kidney damage
- Heart attack
- Stroke
- Increased risk of Parkinson’s disease
- Carbon monoxide poisoning
- Cardiac arrest
- Death
Effects of huffing Freon and other gases might include:
- Organ damage
- Choking
- Burning of esophagus
- Burning of lips, mouth and tongue
- Dizziness
- High blood pressure
- Freezing of the lungs
- Brain damage
- Bloody stool
- Pulmonary edema, or fluid buildup in the lungs
- Serious respiratory problems
- Heart palpitations
- Coma
- Sudden death from cardiac arrest
Effects of huffing whipped cream canisters or other nitrites might include:
- Headache
- Hearing loss
- Hypoxia
- Freezing facial tissue
- Slowed body movement
- Slurred speech
- Brain damage
- Heart damage
- Neurological damage
- Liver damage
- Lung damage
- Limb spasms
- Bone marrow damage
- Spinal cord degeneration
- Vitamin B-12 deficiency
- Lack of coordination
- Dizziness
- Cardiac arrest
- Seizures
- Suffocation
- Coma
- Death
Effects of huffing aerosols might include:
- Respiratory problems
- Nausea and vomiting
- Disorientation
- Chest pain
- Drowsiness
- Lightheadedness
- Lack of coordination
- Increased heart rate
- Headache
- Difficulty speaking
- Tremors
- Suffocation
- Seizures
- Asphyxiation
- Coma
- Permanent brain damage
- Irreversible neurological damage
- Kidney or liver damage
- Bone marrow toxicity
- Permanent hearing loss
- Oxygen deprivation
- Death
Because two-thirds of those who engage in huffing are under the age of 18, it’s recommended that the teen complete a comprehensive treatment program. Family therapy will be an important treatment element in a program designed for teens, in addition to individual therapy and peer group therapy sessions.
Ashley Addiction Treatment, formerly Father Martin’s Ashley, is a nationally recognized nonprofit leader in integrated, evidence-based treatment for substance use disorders. Our programs are accredited by The Joint Commission, and result in frequent publications of ongoing research into effective treatment methodologies. We offer holistic care that encompasses the mind, body and spirit through inpatient and outpatient treatment, provide drug detox, relapse prevention plans, family wellness programs and a variety of other services tailored to each patient’s unique needs. Our driving principle — “everything for recovery” — reinforces our mission to transform and save lives through the science of medicine, the art of therapy and the compassion of spirituality, and is complemented by our philosophy of healing with respect and dignity. For information about our comprehensive programs, please call (866) 313-6307.