Inhalant Addiction Information & Resources

One of the most tragic aspects of this type of drug abuse is that it is often engaged in by adolescents, in large part because these substances are so accessible. The average home has dozens or even hundreds of these substances readily available.¹

Examples of products that can be abused:

• Permanent markers
• Correction fluid
• Computer duster
• Hair spray
• Nail polish remover
• Spray paint
• Paint thinner
• Fast-drying glue
• Lighter fluid
• Gasoline
• Mothballs
• Air fresheners
• Nitrous oxide cartridges
• Canned whipped cream

It would be difficult to keep every one of these substances out of a young person’s reach. For that reason, thorough education on the dangers of inhalants is necessary to prevent harm.

Effects of Inhalants

Some people like the euphoria and loss of inhibitions that result from inhalant abuse. There can be a rush of excitement or exhilaration as well.

Less pleasant are the unwanted effects:

• Slurred speech
• Dizziness
• Delusions
• Convulsions
• Confusion
• Nausea
• Depression
• Suicidal thoughts
• Unconsciousness
• Coma

Long-term Effects

Because inhalants are toxic chemicals, the physical and mental effects of abuse can be severe.² They include heart damage, addiction, brain degeneration, hearing loss, muscle spasms and liver damage. Many of these types of damage are permanent. It may be difficult for a person who has been addicted to these substances to have simple conversations or learn new things. They may also have poor memories.

Inhalants Can Kill

Tragically, it is possible to die the very first time that inhalants are abused. Inhalant abuse can suffocate a person, or stop breathing because of the effect of the chemicals on their lungs. If they go unconscious and vomit, they may choke on their own vomit. Cardiac arrest is also possible.

Paraphernalia

When it is difficult to determine if someone is abusing drugs, sometimes the drug use paraphernalia they leave behind can be identified. In the case of inhalants, these items may be found:

• Plastic bags
• Rags
• Empty soda cans
• Balloons
• Toilet paper tubes stuffed with paper

With the use of these and other items, a person can concentrate the fumes from chemical products and inhale them.³

Incidence of Use

Among Americans aged 12 and older, 2.4 million abused an inhalant in the last year.³ Unlike other types of drug abuse, the proportion of use is highest among those aged 12 to 17—nearly 700,000 of these youth abused an inhalant in the last year. Rates of use drop as Americans age.