Inhalants

What are inhalants?

Inhalants are volatile substances that produce chemical vapors that can inhaled to induce a psychoactive, or mind-altering effect.

 How are inhalants used?

• "Sniffing" or "snorting" fumes from containers;
• Spraying aerosols directly into the nose or mouth;
• "Bagging"- sniffing or inhaling fumes from substances sprayed or deposited inside a plastic bag;
• "Huffing" from an inhalant soaked rag stuffed in the mouth; and
• Inhaling from balloons filled with nitrous oxide.

 What are the patterns of inhalant abuse?

Inhalants- particularly volatile solvents, gases, and aerosols- are often among the first drugs that young children use. Inhalant abuse can become chronic and extend into adulthood. Generally, inhalant abusers will abuse any available substances.

 What are the medical consequences of inhalant abuse?

• Asphyxiation: from repeated inhalations, which lead to high concerntrations of inhaled fumes displacing the available oxygen in the lungs;
• Suffocation: from blocking air from enterting the lungs when inhaling fumes from a plastic bag placed over the head;
• Convulsions or seizures: caused by abnormal electrical discharges in the brain;
• Coma: the brain shuts down all but the most vital functions;
• Choking: from inhalation of vomit after inhalant use; or
• Fatal injury: from accidents, including motor vehicle fatalities, suffered while intoxicated.

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