Inhalants are a less well-known but extremely dangerous class of drugs that people–especially younger individuals–abuse for their easy access and quick, mind-altering effects. Inhalants are very easy to access and are found in common household products like hairspray and whipped cream, making them a hidden but significant threat.
Although they may not get as much attention as opioids or stimulants, the risks of abuse and addiction are just as real. Below, we’ll discuss what inhalants are, the different types to be aware of, and how to recognize and address inhalant abuse.
- Inhalants are widely accessible but highly dangerous. They include volatile solvents, aerosols, gases, and nitrates, many of which are found in household products.
- Inhalant use can cause severe health consequences. Risks include brain damage, heart failure, nerve damage, and sudden sniffing death syndrome.
- Early intervention is crucial for inhalant abuse. Recognizing warning signs and seeking medical or therapeutic support can help prevent serious harm or death.
What are inhalants?
“Inhalants” refers to a broad category of substances that produce chemical vapors (fumes), which can cause psychoactive effects when inhaled (breathed in). [1] Better known by its street name huffing, bagging, or dusting, chemicals found in common household and workplace products can cause a “high” when inhaled.
Although these fumes are quickly absorbed by the body and produce a “short” high, they are still extremely dangerous and can cause irreversible adverse effects such as brain damage, coma, or death. [1]
Inhalants are popular among adolescents because they are convenient, legal, easy to hide, and inexpensive. [1]
People use inhalants by breathing in these chemicals through their nose or mouth in various ways. This can include:
- Spraying aerosols directly in the nose or mouth
- Inhaling substances from a balloon or plastic bag
- Sniffing or snorting fumes from dispenser, bag, or container
- Putting a chemical-soaked rag over the mouth or nose and breathing in
There are four different categories that inhalants fall into, including volatile solvents, aerosols, gases, and nitrates. [1] We will discuss the different types of inhalants in more detail below.
Volatile solvents
This category includes liquids that evaporate (become gas) at room temperature. Volatile solvent inhalant examples include products such as:
- Glue
- Paint thinner
- Degreasers
- Dry-cleaning fluid
- Gasoline
- Correction fluid
- Nail polish remover
- Felt-tip markers
- Rubber cement
Individuals typically directly inhale volatile solvents from the container or through a soaked rag.[1][2]
Aerosols
Aerosols are sprays that have propellants and solvents that allow them to become aerosolized (breathable).[2] Common products include spray paints, deodorant sprays, and hair sprays. The chemicals in these products can cause immediate intoxication and long-term damage to the brain and lungs.
Gases
Gases are substances found in medical anesthetics (like chloroform, halothane, or nitrous oxide, better known as “laughing gas”) and household products like butane lighters and propane tanks. Nitric oxide is one of the most well-known inhalants, often referred to as “whippets,” and can also be found in propellant canisters and whipped cream dispensers. They can cause serious adverse effects, including sudden death due to heart failure.[3]
Nitrates
Nitrates, often referred to as “poppers,” are used primarily to enhance sexual experiences rather than for intoxication. They work by relaxing smooth muscles and causing the dilation of blood vessels. While some believe they are less harmful, nitrates still carry significant risks, including heart problems and immune system suppression.[4]
Whippets and galaxy gas: The most widely abused type of inhalant
Out of all of the inhalants, nitrous oxide (often called “whippets” or “galaxy gas”) is one of the most commonly abused. Nitrous oxide can be found in whipped cream canisters and party balloons. Although it produces a short-lived “high,” the effects can be deadly.
Galaxy Gas is a culinary company that produces flavored whipped cream chargers and dispensers that contain nitrous oxide, selling them in colorful vials, which many say are marketed and sold specifically for recreational use and may attract younger users. They are sold legally on the internet and even at your local gas station or convenience store, making them extremely easy to access.
Recently, “galaxy gas” has gained popularity on TikTok and other social media outlets, and while some may view it as harmless fun, regular use can lead to nerve damage, oxygen deprivation, and even fatal overdoses.[2][5]
Nitrous oxide abuse has been linked to serious neurological consequences, particularly vitamin B12 deficiency, which can lead to subacute combined degeneration of the spinal cord. [6] Chronic use can result in permanent nerve damage, numbness, and even mobility issues.
A study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry found that nitrous oxide use can lead to severe psychiatric symptoms, including paranoia and hallucinations, further emphasizing its potential dangers.[7]
Is inhalant abuse dangerous?
Although it may seem less dangerous than other addictive substances due to its short high and legal status, inhalant abuse is extremely dangerous.
Using inhalants can negatively impact the cardiovascular system, skin, digestive system, nervous system, lungs, and more. Chronic use causes toxicity to several organs, including the brain, heart, lungs, kidneys, liver, and bone marrow. Possible complications from inhalant abuse include:[4]
- Nausea or vomiting
- Liver toxicity
- Cough or wheeze
- Shortness of breath
- Kidney failure
- Burns, rashes, and eczema around the mouth
- Heart arrhythmias
- Sudden sniffing death syndrome
- Heart block
- Fibrosis or hardening of the heart
- Anemia
- Leukemia
- Changes in speech
- Difficulty walking
- Degeneration of regions of the brain associated with balance and movement
- Peripheral neuropathy (nerve pain)
- Tremor
- Nystagmus
- Dementia
- Depression and psychosis
- Insomnia
- Memory loss
This is not an exhaustive list, and other medical complications have been reported to occur.
In children and adolescents, inhalant use has been tied to developmental issues, hearing loss, and brain damage. [7] When used in pregnancy, inhalants can cause birth defects (facial anomalies), delays in growth, and impaired neurobehavioral development. [7]
Death is a possible acute consequence of inhalant use due to aspiration, accidental trauma, or suffocation. Up to 50% of inhalant-related deaths are caused by sudden-sniffing syndrome, which occurs when an inhalant-intoxicated user is startled, causing a release of chemicals that triggers ventricular fibrillation (a cardiac arrhythmia that can result in death). [4]
Which inhalants are the most dangerous?
While all inhalants carry risks, some are particularly deadly:
- Butane and propane: Found in lighters, these can cause sudden death from heart failure.
- Nitrous oxide: Linked to nerve damage and oxygen deprivation.
- Toluene (found in paint thinners and glues): Causes permanent brain damage with prolonged use.
- Amyl nitrate (poppers): Can lead to dangerously low blood pressure and immune suppression. [8]
How to spot if someone is misusing inhalants
Since inhalants are often everyday household products, spotting abuse isn’t always easy. Here are some warning signs:
- Chemical smells on breath or clothing
- Empty aerosol cans or rags soaked with chemicals
- Paint or oil stains on the clothing, face, or hands
- Stained fingernails
- Dizziness, confusion, dazed appearance, or slurred speech
- Sudden changes in behavior, like irritability or secrecy
- Frequent nosebleeds, runny nose, red eyes, or spots or sores around the mouth
- Anxiety or sleep disturbances
- Forgetfulness or difficulty concentrating
If you notice these signs or symptoms, it’s essential to address them immediately. Inhalant abuse can escalate quickly, leading to serious health issues and even death. [4]
Getting support for inhalant use disorder
If you or someone you know is struggling with inhalant abuse, help is available.
Treatment often includes supportive care, therapy or counseling, and medical support to address both the physical and psychological effects of addiction. Common treatment modalities include:
- Cognitive–behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, group therapy, individual therapy, family therapy, or motivational enhancement
- Formal neuropsychological assessment to assess neurologic damage
- Medications to help with withdrawal symptoms and reduce cravings [9]
Many rehab centers and addiction specialists are trained to deal with inhalant use disorder, so reaching out is the first step to recovery
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA) offers a treatment and referral service 24/7, 365 days a year, to help you get started. [10]
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