Background

The term Inhalants encompasses a broad group of solvents, aerosols, gases, and assorted chemicals which produce inhaleable vapors.   Inhalants are cheap, widely available, and their usage is almost a rite of passage for adolescents who seek to bolster their self-esteem or gain peer approval by their use of these potentially life-threatening chemicals. 

Typical inhalants include:

Nitrites (poppers), nitrous oxide (giggle gas, whippets),
anti-freeze, de-greaser, windshield washer fluid, nail polish
remover, cleaning fluid, spot remover, paint and varnish
remover, model glue, typewriter correction fluids and thinners,
liquid incenses, room deodorizers, gasoline, spray paint, as well
as countless other aerosol sprays and solvents.

These drugs are administered by inhaling the gas or vapor from a balloon, paper or plastic bag, or sniffing directly from the container.  Sometimes a saturated medium such as a rag is placed over the mouth or nose.  Sometimes chemicals are heated to produce more concentrated vapors.

The most common legal inhalant is Amyl Nitrate, available in small ampules which are crushed to release vapors.  It is commonly prescribed for heart conditions.

Effects

Immediate physical effects can include a dizzying rush, alcohol-like intoxication,    distortion of senses and perceptions,   and sometimes delusions of grandeur. There can also be a sensation of euphoria, weightlessness, and dissociation from environment. Individuals under the influence of inhalants may demonstrate silliness, awkward movement, muscle weakness,  altered speech, slowed reactions, altered judgment, sensitivity to light, double vision, dilated pupils, ringing in ears, drowsiness, sleep, anesthesia, depression, hallucinations, delirium, or disorientation.

Most inhants function as central nervous system depressants, but some, such as nitrates, as stimulants.  These drugs can increase or even interrupt the heartbeat and alter breathing.  Sometimes they produce blackouts in which users are injured from falling.

Toxic effects can include bizarre behavior, severe depression, toxic psychosis, pains in chest, muscles and joints, hangover, amnesia, coma, seizures, brain damage, paranoia, nerve damage, liver and kidney damage, respiratory tract damage, accumulation of body lead levels, bone marrow deterioration, blood abnormalities, tremors, sleep disorders, fatigue, loss of appetite, bronchial tube spasm, "glue sniffer’s rash" (sores on nose and mouth), nosebleeds, nausea, diarrhea, eye/nose irritation, glaucoma, or blood cell damage.

Death can come from "SSD" (sudden sniffing death), plastic bag suffocation, bizarre and reckless behavior, driving under the influence, poisoning of users and small children, suicide or respiratory depression. With fluorocarbons, death may be caused by "airway freezing" suffocation.

Be aware that sometimes inhalants can be fatal even in very small amounts.

.Other Resources

NCADI

The Indiana Prevention Resource Center

National Inhalants Prevention Coalition

Wisconsin Clearinghouse

NIDA's Inhalants INFOFAX

NIDA's Research Report on Inhalants