Inhalant Abuse: Types, Effects, and Risks

Inhalants are a group of substances that emit chemical vapors, which people inhale to achieve mind-altering effects. These substances, found in a wide range of household, industrial, and medical products, are often abused due to their accessibility and affordability. Despite their common presence, inhalants pose significant health risks and can lead to severe short-term and long-term consequences. Understanding the types, methods of use, effects, and risks associated with inhalants is crucial for recognizing the dangers they present and the importance of seeking proper treatment for those struggling with inhalant abuse.

What Are Inhalants?

While many substances can be misused through inhalation, inhalants refer to various substances that emit chemical vapors, which people inhale or “huff” to achieve mind-altering effects.

The term “inhalants” refers to numerous chemicals which are almost exclusively used through inhalation. This category comprises numerous substances, each producing different effects and present in a diverse range of products. Consequently, precisely classifying these substances is challenging.

However, there are four main types of inhalants based on their availability in household, industrial, and medical products. These inhalants include:

Solvents

Solvents, also known as volatile solvents, are liquids that evaporate at room temperature. These chemicals are found in a variety of affordable and easily accessible common household, medical, and industrial products, including:

• Paint stripping agents or paint thinner
• Fluids for dry cleaning
• Gasoline
• Lighter fluid
• Office and art materials like correction fluid, marker ink, and adhesive

Aerosol Sprays

Aerosols are household sprays comprising solvents and propellants, such as compressed gas. These products include:

• Aerosol spray paints
• Hairspray products
• Antiperspirant aerosols
• Vegetable oil aerosols
• Computer cleaning supplies

Gases

Gases encompass the fumes present in both commercial and everyday household products, as well as medical anesthetics. Nitrous oxide, often referred to as “laughing gas,” is the most frequently abused type of gas.

When used recreationally, nitrous oxide, also known as “hippie crack” on the streets, is found in cartridges used in whipped cream dispensers. These cartridges, often called “whippits” by users, have made using nitrous oxide more popular because they are easy to get and cheap. But, misusing nitrous oxide can lead to vitamin B12 deficiency and other serious health issues.

Common household or commercial products that contain gases include:

• Lighters using butane
• Tanks filled with propane
• Dispensers for whipped cream (used for whippits)
• Cooling agents

The following are examples of medical anesthetics:

• Nitrous oxide
• Halothane
• Chloroform
• Ether

Nitrates

Most inhalants affect the central nervous system except nitrates, which dilate and relax blood vessels. Besides their mind-altering and euphoric effects, nitrates, commonly called poppers, are primarily used as enhancers of sexual pleasure.

The following are types of nitrate inhalants:

• Isoamyl (amyl) nitrate
• Isobutyl (butyl) nitrate
• Cyclohexyl nitrate

Amyl nitrate was once prescribed to treat heart or chest pains. However, all nitrates are now banned by the Consumer Product Safety Commission but continue to be sold in small brown bottles labeled as:

• Fragrance for rooms
• Cleaner for leather
• Cleaner for video heads
• Scented liquid

Inhalant Use

Inhalants can be consumed through the nose or mouth in several methods, such as:

• Directly “snorting” or “sniffing” vapors from their containers
• “Bagging,” a process that includes sniffing or inhaling vapors from materials stored in paper or plastic bags
• “Huffing” from a cloth drenched with an inhalant
• Directly spraying aerosols into the nose or mouth
• Breathing in from balloons filled with nitrous oxide

The most intense inhalant intoxication is typically achieved through “bagging” and “huffing,” making these methods the most popular and preferred. Since the effects of inhalants are brief, lasting only a few minutes, users frequently attempt to prolong the high by continuously inhaling over several hours.

Effects of Inhalants

Inhalants create effects similar to alcohol by depressing the central nervous system and similarly slowing down brain activity. Various brain regions play a role in the intoxicating, numbing, and reinforcing effects of different inhalants.

Most inhalants produce a quick high, initially leading to euphoria, followed by:

• Sleepiness
• Lack of restraint
• Feeling unsteady
• Feeling faint
• Restlessness
• Muscle weakness

Nearly all solvents and gases cause a loss of sensation, and excessive inhalation can lead to memory loss, potentially resulting in unconsciousness for those abusing inhalants.

Substances found in gases, aerosol cans, and solvents can lead to various symptoms linked to inhalant usage, such as:

• Feeling sick
• Lack of hunger
• Head pain
• Garbled or unclear speech
• Fatigue
• Aggression
• Slowed reflexes
• Weak muscles
• Drowsiness

Large amounts can result in hallucinations, delirium, and bewilderment.

Inhaled nitrates, which uniquely increase heart rate and dilate blood vessels compared to other inhalants, produce effects such as:

• Feeling of warmth
• Stimulation
• Reddened skin
• Light-headedness
• Head pain

The misuse of nitrates is frequently associated with enhancing sexual gratification and prowess, resulting in unprotected sex and hazardous behaviors. This escalates the likelihood of contracting sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as HIV/AIDS.

Long-Term Inhalant Effects

Extended misuse of inhalants results in enduring adverse effects, such as:

• Harm to the liver and kidneys
• Impaired hearing
• Coordination deficiency
• Spasms in limbs (caused by nerve harm)
• Damage to bone marrow
• Hindered behavioral growth (stemming from brain injury)

Studies suggest that inhalants are incredibly poisonous, and some of the most alarming consequences of long-term use are irreversible brain injury and damage to the nervous system.

Risks of Inhalant Abuse

Research carried out by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) has revealed that inhalants are associated with approximately 100 to 200 fatalities annually in the US.

Inhalants contain highly potent chemicals that, in addition to inducing brain damage, can provoke erratic and accelerated heartbeats, potentially resulting in heart failure and death within minutes of extended usage. This occurrence is referred to as “sudden sniffing death,” and it can happen even after a single use by a person in good health.

Death can also result from abuse because of:

• Suffocation – when air is obstructed by placing a bag over the head during inhalation
• Asphyxiation – due to insufficient oxygen reaching the lungs from continuous inhalation
• Seizures – triggered by irregular brain activity resulting from inhalation
• Coma – a state where the brain ceases to function
• Choking – by inhaling vomit after using
• Injury – from mishaps such as vehicular accidents while under the influence

Inhalant Addiction Treatment at White Oak

The abuse of inhalants, nitrous oxide, or any other substance use disorder can be effectively managed with the appropriate treatment program. If you or a loved one is seeking rehab, it’s important to know that detox can be the most challenging phase.

White Oak Recovery Center offers a medically supervised detox program that guarantees a peaceful and relaxing setting. With 24/7 medical assistance, our medical detox program ensures withdrawal symptoms are effectively managed safely and effectively. Each resident receives a personalized treatment plan to ensure their specific needs are met, and a supportive environment and empowering support groups focused on comfort and safety can boost their self-assurance on the path to long-term recovery.

Reach out today to speak with one of White Oak Recovery Center’s compassionate treatment specialists. Your path to staying rooted in recovery may be a phone call away.