Inhalants

Inhalants are a broad range of household and industrial chemicals whose volatile vapors or pressurized gases can be concentrated and breathed in via the nose or mouth to produce intoxication (called "getting high" in slang), in a manner not intended by the manufacturer. They are inhaled at room temperature through volatilization (in the case of gasoline or model cement) or from a pressurized container (e.g., nitrous oxide or butane), and do not include drugs that are sniffed after burning or heating. For example, amyl nitrite and toluene are considered inhalants, but tobacco, cannabis, and crack are not, even though the latter are also inhaled as smoke.

Types of Inhalants

Inhalants can be categorized into four types:

• Volatile solvents
• Aerosols
• Gases
• Nitrites

Effects of Inhalants

Inhalants can cause a variety of physical and mental effects, including:

• Euphoria
• Hallucinations
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Confusion
• Loss of coordination
• Unconsciousness
• Death

Health Risks

Long-term use of inhalants can lead to a number of serious health problems, including:

• Brain damage
• Liver damage
• Kidney damage
• Heart failure
• Addiction

Treatment

Treatment for inhalant abuse typically involves counseling, medication, and supportive care.

See Also

• Substance abuse
• Drug addiction
• Psychoactive drug

Inhalants Resources
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