Drug Information

Inhalants

It's a fact…

Inhalants are usually substances that most people do not think of as drugs and can often be purchased at a grocery or hardware store. They are a diverse group of substances that are inhaled to give the user an immediate head rush or high. The effects include slurred speech, blurred vision, ringing in ears, loss of balance, nausea, vomiting and drowsiness. The effects can last 30-40 minutes. Inhalants block the flow of oxygen in a person's body and contain chemicals that can destroy brain cells. The use of inhalants can have serious or lethal effects on persons who abuse them. Even one-time use can result in coma or death.

Some examples of the most common substances used as inhalants are:

• Solvents
  Strong glues (model airplane glues, etc.), correction fluid for typewriters, gasoline, paint thinners, polish and polish removers, cleaning and lighter fluids.
  
  
• Aerosols
  Propellant from any aerosol can (hair spray, spray paints, whipped cream, etc.).
  
  
• Anesthetics
  Nitrous oxide ("laughing gas"), halothane, amyl nitrite (a prescription heart medicine) and butyl nitrite (whose slang names are "rush" and "locker room")

Method of Ingestion:

Inhalants are sniffed or "huffed" directly from the source or in plastic and paper bags held over the face. Saturated rags are sometimes held over the nose and mouth.

Short- and Long-Term Effects of Using Inhalants:

• Asphyxiation or suffocation
• Sudden cardiac arrest
• Numbness and tingling in hands and feet
• Blood and bone marrow changes
• Damage to kidneys, liver, lungs, and central nervous system
• Weight loss
• Electrolyte imbalance
• Reduced physical and mental capabilities
• Loss of sense of smell/taste
• Irreversible brain damage