Inhalants Addiction: Signs, Symptoms & Side Effects

Last Updated March 22, 2024

If you’ve ever felt uncomfortably lightheaded or dizzy after inhaling paint fumes, you’re not alone. However, while most people find inhaling fumes an unpleasant experience, some people abuse these products to achieve a short, euphoric high. Whether it’s gasoline, hair spray, or nitrous oxide (laughing gas), many individuals (particularly young people) inhale large amounts of these chemicals recreationally.

While the widespread availability of inhalants may make them seem less harmful, these substances are toxic and can damage a person’s health over time. Inhalants can also become physically and psychologically addictive if they’re abused frequently.

However, treatment is available for individuals who find themselves addicted to inhalants. Before going into the treatment methods that are available for this type of addiction, this article will provide an outline of what inhalants are and what the long-term effects are.

What Are Inhalants?

Inhalants are chemical substances that are found in everyday household and workplace products. Containing dangerous compounds, inhalants produce vapors that can be inhaled to induce psychoactive (mind-altering) effects. Inhaled substances are rapidly absorbed by the brain and bloodstream, resulting in a quick and intense high. Due to their widespread availability in the home, inhalants are often abused by children and adolescents.

Street names for inhalants include:

Poppers
Snappers
Glue
Kick
Bang
Sniff
Whippets
Texas Shoeshine

Other street names for abusing inhalants are:

Snorting or Sniffing
Bagging
Gladding
Huffing
Dusting

Types of Inhalants

Inhalants are everywhere and they are also convenient, cheap, and easy to hide. With more than 1,000 commonly used household and workplace products in this category, there are many ways for individuals to acquire and abuse inhalants. Below are the four main categories of inhalants: volatile solvents, aerosols, gases, and nitrites.

Volatile Solvents

Paint thinners
Dry-cleaning fluids
Gasoline
Lighter fluid
Correction fluids
Felt-tip marker fluid
Electronic contact cleaners
Glue
Nail polish
Nail polish remover

Aerosols

Spray paint
Hair spray
Deodorant spray
Aerosol computer cleaning products
Vegetable oil sprays

Gases

Butane lighters
Propane tanks
Whipped cream dispensers (commonly referred to as “whippets”)
Ether
Chloroform
Nitrous oxide (“laughing gas”)
Freon

Nitrites

Video head cleaner
Room deodorizer
Leather cleaner
Liquid aroma
Poppers (commonly used in the party/club scene)

How Do Inhalants Work?

Most inhalants are nervous system depressants, and they work similarly to alcohol. This means they slow down activity in the brain and central nervous system, creating a sense of calmness and euphoria. Some of the short-term effects of inhalants include:

Slurred or distorted speech
Lack of coordination (reduced control of body movement)
Euphoria (feeling high)
Dizziness
Giddiness or laughter

Other effects of inhalants include lightheadedness, hallucinations (seeing things that aren’t there), or delusions (warped or false beliefs). Repeated use can intensify the effects and cause a person to feel less in control. In more extreme cases, individuals can experience vomiting, ongoing drowsiness, and headaches.

While most inhalants produce the effects above, nitrites (commonly prescribed for chest pain) such as poppers create slightly different effects, and are often used to enhance sexual pleasure. This is due to the way that nitrites expand and relax blood vessels.

How Do People Take Inhalants?

Inhalants are typically consumed by breathing in the fumes via the nose or mouth. However, there are different routes of administration:

Sniffing or Snorting

Fumes are inhaled directly from a container.

Bagging

The inhalant is soaked in a bag and then inhaled.

Spraying

Typically used for aerosols, the substance is sprayed directly into the nose or mouth.

Inhaling

The inhalant is dispensed into a balloon and then inhaled through the mouth. This is a common way to consume nitrous oxide.

The euphoric high from an inhalant is very short-lived, sometimes lasting for only a few minutes (or up to 30 minutes). Due to this short duration, people often try to make the sensation last by inhaling repeatedly over several hours.

Who Abuses Inhalants?

Inhalants are typically abused by children (sometimes as young as 5 or 6 years old) and adolescents (typically between 14 to 18 years old). Use of inhalants is also more common in males than in females.

Higher rates of inhalant abuse have been reported in individuals with a history of abuse, criminal behavior, poverty, family violence, or with co-occurring mental health issues, such as depression. Other at-risk groups for inhalant abuse include White and Hispanic children, people who live in rural areas, and even dentists and dental hygienists (due to their access to nitrous oxide).

Are Inhalants Addictive?

Generally, inhalant addiction is less common than addiction to other substances. However, repeated use can lead to physical and psychological addiction. People who are hooked on inhalants can find themselves with strong cravings or urges to use inhalants repeatedly over several days.

Like most substances, the body can build up a tolerance to inhalants, which then leads to uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms if a person stops using the drug. Another cause of addiction is that repetitive drug use often changes the reward and motivation pathways in the brain. This leads to drug-seeking behavior, cravings, and withdrawal symptoms. People who habitually use inhalants find themselves spending most of their time thinking about obtaining and using these substances. While it can start as an experiment or because of peer pressure, inhalant abuse can pave the way to using other harmful drugs or substances.

Statistical Overview of Prevalence of Abuse

Below are some statistics surrounding inhalant abuse in the U.S.:

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), 21.7 million Americans over the age of 12 have tried an inhalant at least once.
In 2011, 10,000 visits to the emergency room were due to inhalant abuse.
Teenagers (especially younger teens) make up 60% of people who use inhalants for the first time.
According to a 2011 study, roughly 9% of Americans (about 22.5 million people) have used, abused, or become addicted to inhalants at some point in their lives.
In the same study, it was reported that people who abuse inhalants often begin at a young age, with 58% of people using these substances before the end of 9th grade.
While inhalant dependence does occur, it is somewhat rare: in 2011, for example, there were about 140,000 reported cases of inhalant dependency. In comparison, there were over 100 times as many alcohol dependencies in the same year.

The History of Inhalants

While inhalant abuse is often associated with modern-day products, the practice of inhaling fumes dates back to much earlier periods. In ancient times, for example, the fumes from incense, oils, resins, and spices were inhaled for religious and ceremonial purposes in places like Egypt, China, and Greece.

Moving forward, nitrous oxide made its first appearance in the 1700s-1800s and was used as an intoxicant. Nitrous oxide was also considered to be a cheap substitute for alcohol and was popularized by the British scientist, Sir Humphry Davy, who coined the name “laughing gas” in 1799. Davy also acknowledged the gas’s anesthetic effects and proposed its use as a sedative during operations (although its use as an anesthetic didn’t occur until 50 years later).

In the 19^th century, inhalants gained more popularity for recreational use in the U.S. and in Europe. Ether, for example, was used during the 1920s Prohibition era and the inhalation of solvents (e.g., gasoline) became popular in the 1940s. Inhalant abuse continued through the 1950s and ‘60s with the arrival of new commercial products such as paint thinners, nail polish remover, shoe polish, lighter fluid, etc.

In recent years, glue and gas sniffing has become a widespread problem in places like South Asia, Mexico, and Eastern Europe, as well as in remote regions of Canada, America, Australia, and New Zealand. Furthermore, gases and nitrites such as poppers and nitrous oxide are widely abused in the party and club scene with other drugs, like ecstasy.

Physical and Neurological Effects of Inhalants

Inhalants are quickly absorbed by the bloodstream and produce intense effects that are short in duration. While some of these are pleasurable, others can be harmful, especially at high doses. Some common effects include:

Excitability
Euphoria
Hallucinations
Loss of self-control
Lightheadedness
Dizziness
Limited reflexes
Loss of coordination
Blacking out
Slurred or distorted speech

Inhalant Combinations

Inhalants are usually taken on their own, but they can also be abused with other substances, especially among older adolescents and young adults who are closer to the legal drinking age.

Alcohol

Alcohol can sometimes be mixed with inhalants. However, both substances are nervous system depressants, which means that they will enhance and intensify the effects of each other. This is often one of the reasons people mix alcohol and inhalants; however, there are serious risks involved.

Due to the intensity of each drug, a person can easily overdose, as they may not know how intoxicated they are. This is also because alcohol takes longer to take effect, while inhalants can be felt almost immediately. Mixing these two substances can also enhance the negative effects on a person’s body and put them at risk for damage to organs like the heart, kidneys, and liver.

Other dangers include specific inhalants such as Spiriva, which can lead to deadly effects when combined with alcohol. The effects of Spiriva appear quickly, while alcohol strongly intensifies the high and toxicity on the body.

Negative Health Consequences

When abused for a long time, inhalants can lead to serious health consequences. These include:

Liver and kidney damage.
Vision or hearing loss.
Bone marrow damage.
Loss of coordination and limb spasms.
Nerve damage.
Delayed behavioral development.
Brain damage.
Oxygen depletion and/or an inability to reabsorb oxygen.

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), another danger of abusing inhalants is the risk of a life-threatening condition called “sudden sniffing death.” This can occur if someone uses a bag to inhale chemicals or volatile solvents in a poorly ventilated environment.

If too many toxic substances are present in the body, it can lead to excessive sweating, rapid heart rate, nausea, physical tics, seizures, and a loss of consciousness. A lack of oxygen can also result, causing permanent brain damage, hearing and vision loss, memory problems, and issues with coordination.

Overdose

Overdoses (like “sudden sniffing death”) can happen with inhalants. These occur when a person uses too many inhalants or has a toxic reaction. While overdoses are rare, they can involve seizures, coma, and death. Many solvents and aerosol sprays are highly concentrated, which means a lot of chemicals are present. Sniffing these products can lead to heart failure within minutes of consumption.

Signs & Symptoms of Inhalant Abuse

People who are addicted to inhalants can begin to exhibit physical and behavioral signs of abuse.

Physical Signs of Abuse

A chemical smell on breath or clothing.
Paint or other stains on fingers, clothing, or face.
Fingernails painted with markers or correctional fluid.
Hiding rags in the laundry or around a room.
Possessing multiple lighters, even if the person doesn’t smoke.
Red or runny nose.
Loss of appetite.
Dazed appearance.
Sores around the mouth.
Multiple empty aerosol cans.
Dilated pupils.
Inability to focus.
Fatigue or changes in sleep patterns.

Behavioral Signs

Sudden changes in behavior can be clear indicators of a problem. Some of the behavioral signs of inhalant abuse also apply to other drug dependencies, and may include:

Changes in personality including apathy (lack of interest).
Significant decrease in appetite and weight loss.
Sudden change in friends and hobbies.
A rapid decline in school performance or attendance.
Poor hygiene and grooming habits.
Mood swings.
Continuing to use inhalants despite any negative side effects.
Spending most of their time using, obtaining, or recovering from inhalant use.
Being secretive or lying.
Using multiple drugs and/or substances.
Financial problems.

Inhalants Withdrawal Symptoms

Habitual inhalant abuse can lead to tolerance and subsequent withdrawal symptoms. Some of the most common withdrawal symptoms include:

Nausea
Loss of appetite
Sweating
Problems sleeping
Mood changes
Physical and emotional agitation
Hallucinations
Grand mal seizures (falling, convulsions, loss of consciousness, loss of bowel and bladder control)

Treatment for Inhalant Addiction

If you find yourself struggling with inhalant abuse or addiction, help is available. Below are some of the recommended treatment options for substances like inhalants. These therapies are often most effective when combined with other treatments and are accessible through a doctor or by speaking directly to a rehab facility. You may also want to enroll in a rehab program that offers inpatient or outpatient options, depending on your needs.

Stop on Your Own

Stopping inhalant abuse on your own is possible, especially if you are in the early stages. However, it’s important to bear in mind that quitting cold turkey can be difficult, especially as the withdrawal symptoms can be uncomfortable and lead to health complications. Therefore, it is advisable to seek medical detox facilities or speak to your doctor about options for assisted withdrawal. By getting support, you can also find ways to treat the underlying causes of your addiction.

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is one of the most highly recommended therapies for addiction and substance abuse. CBT helps individuals identify automatic and negative thinking patterns and change them into more positive ones. Another benefit of this type of therapy is that it can teach clients how to deal with stress, cope with cravings, identify triggers, and deal with situations that encourage inhalant use.

Motivational Interventions

Motivational interventions such as contingency management are useful counseling techniques for addiction. These approaches are based on a reward system, and they use motivational techniques to help individuals commit to change and remain abstinent. Individuals who receive motivational interventions learn that it is possible to achieve sobriety using self-control and they are often given rewards or incentives as a guide.

Family Counseling

Since many people who abuse inhalants are children or adolescents, family counseling can be another effective treatment. This type of therapy focuses on support, improving communication, and healing relationships between family members. Family counseling can help kids and teens learn about the origins of their addiction and how to heal through connections with family.

Support Groups

Support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Narcotics Anonymous (NA), and 12-Step programs can also be beneficial. These groups are well established and recognized for their ability to provide ongoing support and to help individuals reduce the risk of relapses.

Wellness & Activity Programs

Programs that encourage healthy activities such as fitness, social gatherings, outdoor adventures, etc. can be highly beneficial for children and teens who are abusing inhalants. Activities like dances, movie nights, hiking, yoga, etc. can foster relationships and teach young people about how to have fun without substances.

Resources

If you or a loved one are struggling with inhalant abuse or addiction, you are not alone. Treatment and support are readily available. Contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357 for information on support and treatment.

You can also find a list of treatment centers near you on our website to help get you on the path to recovery.

Key Sources

Cleveland Clinic. (2019). Inhalant Abuse. Cleveland Clinic.org. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15742-inhalant-abuse.

Howard, M., Bowen, S., Garland, E., Perron, B., and Vaughn, M. (2011). Inhalant Use and Inhalant Use Disorders in the United States. Addict Sci Clin Pract. 6(1), 18–31. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3188822.

Lesser, B. (2021). The Treatment of Inhalant Abuse. Dual Diagnosis.org. https://dualdiagnosis.org/inhalant-abuse.

National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). (2020). Inhalants Drug Facts. Drug Abuse.gov. https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/inhalants.

Medical Disclaimer

At RehabAid.com, we are dedicated to helping people recover from problematic substance use and associated mental health disorders. If you or a loved one are struggling with addiction to drugs or alcohol, you are not alone. Information on treatment and support options is readily available through the National Helpline of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) at 1-800-662-4357. To further assist you along the path to recovery, the treatment center locator on our website allows you to easily find rehabilitation programs and services in your local area.

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