HomeHealth TopicsSubstance Use DisordersInhalants
Back to Substance Use Disorders
Inhalants
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Substance Use Disorders

Inhalants

Inhalants are substances misused specifically by breathing in their fumes, a practice that can cause severe, immediate harm to the brain and body.

What are inhalants?

Inhalants are substances that people inhale (breathe in) to get high. While other substances like alcohol can be inhaled, they are not classified as inhalants because they can be consumed in other ways. Inhalants are substances that you can misuse only by inhaling them. Using inhalants to try to get high, even once, can be very harmful to your brain and body and can lead to death.

What are the types of inhalants?

Inhalants are often products easily found in the home or workplace that contain psychoactive (mind-altering) properties when inhaled. The four main types are:

  • Solvents: Liquids that become gas at room temperature, including paint thinner, nail polish remover, gasoline, and glue.
  • Aerosol sprays: Such as spray paint, deodorant spray, and vegetable oil sprays.
  • Gases: Including gas from lighters, whipped cream dispensers, and laughing gas.
  • Nitrites: Sometimes called "poppers," these are similar to prescription chest pain medicine. They are sold in small bottles labeled as "air freshener," "leather cleaner," or "liquid aroma" and are typically used to improve sexual function rather than alter mood.

Common slang terms for inhalants include gluey, huff, laughing gas, rush, snappers, and whippets/whippits.

How do people use inhalants?

Users breathe in fumes through the nose or mouth using methods known as "sniffing," "snorting," "bagging," or "huffing." Because the high typically lasts only a few minutes, users often inhale repeatedly over several hours to maintain the effect.

Who uses inhalants?

Inhalants are primarily used by young kids and teens, who often try them before other substances because they are easier to obtain.

What are the signs that someone is using inhalants?

  • Chemical odors on breath or clothing
  • Paint or other stains on face, hands, or clothes
  • Hidden empty spray paint or solvent containers and chemical-soaked rags or clothing
  • Red or runny eyes or nose
  • Drunk or disoriented appearance
  • Slurred speech
  • Nausea or loss of appetite
  • Inattentiveness, lack of coordination, irritability, and depression

What are the health effects of using inhalants?

Most inhalants affect the central nervous system and slow down brain activity.

Short-term health effects

  • Slurred or distorted speech
  • Lack of body control
  • Euphoria (feeling "high")
  • Dizziness
  • Hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren't real)

Long-term health effects

  • Liver and kidney damage
  • Loss of coordination
  • Spasms in your arms and legs
  • Delayed behavioral development
  • Brain damage

Using inhalants, even once, can lead to an overdose, causing seizures, heart failure, or death.

Are inhalants addictive?

Addiction is rare but possible with repeated use. Stopping can cause withdrawal symptoms such as nausea, sweating, trouble sleeping, and mood changes. Behavioral therapy may assist those who are addicted.

Can inhalant misuse be prevented?

Because inhalant use is linked to a higher likelihood of future substance use disorders, prevention is critical. Parents should talk to their children about the dangers of inhalants and provide strategies for handling peer pressure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Look for chemical odors on the person's breath, clothing, or skin, as well as red, runny eyes and a runny nose. You may also notice stains on their face or hands from solvents, and they might have a slurred speech, unsteady gait, or appear confused and incoherent. Because the high is short-lived, you might see them repeatedly inhaling from a bag, cloth, or container over a short period. Can a single use of an inhalant cause permanent brain damage or death?::Yes, a single use can be fatal or cause permanent injury. This is often referred to as "sudden sniffing death," which occurs when an inhalant triggers an irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia) that leads to cardiac arrest. Even if the person survives, one-time use can cause lasting damage to the brain, liver, kidneys, and heart, as the chemicals are highly toxic to these organs. How do inhalants affect the heart and lungs differently from other drugs?::Inhalants are particularly dangerous to the cardiovascular system because they sensitize the heart to adrenaline, making it prone to sudden, fatal arrhythmias even during minor physical exertion or stress. Unlike many other drugs, inhalants can also cause direct chemical burns to the respiratory tract and lungs, leading to chronic coughing, wheezing, and long-term respiratory issues. What should I do if I suspect a teen is using inhalants at home?::Do not confront them aggressively, as this can lead to denial or escalation. Instead, secure or remove common household items like aerosol sprays, solvents, and lighter fluid from easy access. Watch for behavioral changes such as withdrawal from family, declining grades, or possession of rags, bags, or spray cans. If you find evidence of use, seek a professional evaluation for substance use disorder and discuss safe storage practices with a healthcare provider.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

kontakt@hittavard.se

Ⓒ 2024. Alla rättigheter förbehålls av juxt ab

Sök
Om ossVillkor och policyVanliga frågorKontakta oss