Everything You Need to Know About Inhalant Drug Abuse

What Are Inhalants and How Are They Used?

Inhaling aerosol sprays and similar substances is one of the most dangerous forms of substance abuse. In the short term, it creates pleasant, euphoric feelings. Still, it can lead to brain damage and other severe physical and neurological harm in the long term. Inhalant drug abuse isn’t common, but those considering it should know how harmful it is.

Inhalants include everyday household products like spray paints, markers, glues, and cleaning fluids. This makes them a popular choice for teens and even younger children. They’re cheap and easy to obtain. Because abuse is not their primary purpose, they can be carried openly without raising suspicions. Users often ingest them by spraying or pouring them into a bag and sniffing the fumes, but they can also be inhaled directly. The psychoactive properties of these substances make for an intense high. However, it doesn’t last long, so the user must keep repeating it many times over a few hours.

Which Household Products Can Be Used as Inhalants?

Any household product that gives off fumes can be and is used as an inhalant. There are four kinds of inhalant:

• Solvents: industrial or household products, usually used for heavy-duty cleaning, such as paint thinners or removers, dry-cleaning fluids, gasoline, and lighter fluids. Type-correction and felt marker fluid also can be sniffed to get high.
• Aerosols: Spray paints, hair or deodorant sprays, and vegetable oil sprays can be sprayed into a bag, and the fumes sniffed.
• Gases: Household products that can be inhaled include butane lighters, propane tanks, and whipped cream.
• Nitrites: These include video head cleaners, liquid room-scenting aroma, and leather cleaner.

How Do Inhalants Affect the Brain?

The short-term effects of inhalant drug abuse are similar to those of alcohol. Because inhalants affect the brain and central nervous system, the user feels a pleasant euphoria but also feels dizzy, has slurred speech, and may become clumsy and uncoordinated. The effects may escalate so the user has hallucinations. These effects can last several days and may lead to a severe headache when the drug wears off.

The effects of long-term use are severe and can even life-threatening. These can include liver and kidney damage. Long-term users may suffer from hearing impairment. Brain damage can also result because inhalants work by cutting off oxygen to the brain.

Can Inhalants Cause Overdose?

The more often someone uses a mind-altering substance, the more likely they are to overdose. Most drugs “rewire” the brain to expect a certain level of pleasure, which keeps the user coming back for more until they raise their risk of overdose. It’s also possible to develop a substance use disorder (SUD) from inhalants. A SUD occurs when the user finds inhalant use interfering with their life, to the exclusion of family, friends, and even their work.

Pacific Manor Recovery Addiction Treatment

Pacific Manor Recovery offers comprehensive treatment for those struggling with common addictions, including alcohol, drugs, and inhalants. Services include detox, rehab, and long-term follow-up care, with a full range of treatment options.

If you or someone you love is struggling with drug or alcohol addiction, please reach out to us for immediate help. Our staff is available nights, weekends, and holidays to ensure that you can get immediate assistance. Contact us at any time at (888) 300-4370.

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