Inhalants
Inhalants are substances found in various household products that were never meant to be used as drugs. Examples include glues, spray paints, lighter fluid, and whipped cream cans. Some young people inhale these substances in search of a quick "high" without understanding the dangers involved. Most (but not all) inhalants are depressants that slow down the activity of the brain and other parts of the nervous system. This slowing down can have a relaxing effect that causes people to feel good.
People generally use inhalants because it makes them feel
- relaxed and happy
- lightheaded and woozy
- less inhibited
Inhalants can also make people
- dizzy and unsteady on their feet
- slur their speech
- disoriented and uncoordinated
Common street names: air blast, bullet bolt, discorama, highball, hippie crack, huff, medusa, whiteout, whippets (nitrous oxide), and laughing gas (nitrous oxide).
How are inhalants used? Fumes from household products can be inhaled in several ways. Sniffing involves inhaling fumes through the nose, huffing is breathing fumes through the mouth, and bagging is breathing fumes from a bag placed over the mouth and nose.
Risk of addiction: High
Effects on the body: The immediate effects on inhalants on the body are variable because there are so many different kinds of inhalants. Inhalants that inhibit the nervous system can cause
decreased heart rate
decreased breathing rate
Overdose: Inhalants affect the brain more quickly than most other drugs and can cause severe damage before a person knows what's happened. The worst possibility is heart failure and death within minutes. This is known as "sudden sniffing death". Severe headache, nausea, vomiting, and suffocation by choking on your own vomit are also seen in those who use inhalants.
How are inhalants obtained? Inhalants are widely available in household products such as glues, nail polish remover, lighter fluid, spray paints, paint thinner, gasoline, deodorant and hair sprays, whipped cream cans, and cleaning fluids and sprays.
Are inhalants legal? Inhalants are found in normal household products that are legal and safe when used for their intended purposes. However, they are not intended for inhaling and are very dangerous when used this way.
How quickly do inhalants act? Inhalants enter the bloodstream directly from the lungs and quickly move to the brain. Users experience an immediate "head rush" or "high". The effects of inhalants usually last from 5 to 15 minutes, but in a few cases the effects can continue for several hours.
Drug tests for inhalants: Inhalants are not detected by standard drug tests.
How many students use inhalants? About 4% of high school seniors say they have used inhalants within the past year.