Why inhalants are used

Effects of inhalants There is no safe level of drug use. Inhalants affect everyone differently, based on: size, weight and health whether the person is used to taking it whether other drugs are taken around the same time the amount taken the strength of the drug amount of fresh air breathed while sniffing amount of physical activity before and after sniffing. Sniffing can cause: intoxication nausea headaches injuries delirium seizures pneumonia from inhaling vomit dependence brain damage coma abnormal heart rhythm sudden death asphyxiation if using a plastic bag.

Coming down In the days after inhalant use, you may experience: headache nausea dizziness drowsiness mental numbness. Path2Help Not sure what you are looking for? Find out more. Read more about withdrawal. Getting help If your use of inhalants is affecting your health, family, relationships, work, school, financial or other life situations, you can find help and support.

Inhalant use is not a criminal offence in any Australian state or territory. Police are authorised to: Take away inhalants and related equipment Pick up young people who are using inhalants, and release them into the care of a responsible person, or a place of safety.

National Ontario: Addiction Research Foundation; Drug and Alcohol Office. Government of Western Australia; Inhalants: what you need to know. But, scientists are researching such medicines. Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you or someone you know is addicted to inhalants and needs help stopping. Also call if you are having withdrawal symptoms that concern you. National Institute on Drug Abuse website.

Inhalants DrugFacts. Updated April Accessed June 26, Adolescent inhalant use prevention, assessment, and treatment: a literature synthesis. Int J Drug Policy.

PMID: pubmed. Breuner CC. Substance abuse. In: Kliegman RM, St. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; chap Updated by: Fred K. Editorial team. Substance use - inhalants. Inhalants are chemical vapors that are breathed in on purpose to get high.

Types of Inhalants. Common types of abused inhalants are: Aerosols, such as air freshener, deodorant, fabric protector, hair spray, vegetable oil spray, and spray paint.

Gases, such as butane lighter fluid , computer cleaning spray, freon , helium, nitrous oxide laughing gas , which is found in whipped cream containers, and propane. Nitrites, which are no longer sold legally. When nitrites are bought illegally, they are often labeled "leather cleaner," "liquid aroma," "room odorizer," or "video head cleaner.

Long-time users get headaches, nosebleeds, and sometimes lose their sense of smell. Inhalants decrease oxygen to the brain and can cause brain damage. Using an inhalant just one time can lead to life-threatening health problems, and even cause death. Bagging, when fumes are inhaled from substances sprayed or deposited inside a plastic bag.

Huffing, when a soaked rag is placed in the mouth or held to the face for inhalation. Long-term use of inhalants also causes: Weight loss. Muscle weakness and lack of coordination.

Disorientation and inattentiveness. Irritability and depression. Signs of use Chemical odours on clothing or breath Empty containers or discarded soaked rags or clothing hidden in the trash Red eyes, irritability, frequent headaches, drunk appearance, and slurred speech Personality changes Nausea or loss of appetite Sores around the mouth.

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