Inhalant Addiction

What Are Inhalants?

The drug known as “inhalants” includes a broad range of substances that produce chemical vapors, which users inhale to achieve a short high.

In 2024, young people abusing nitrous oxide (aka whippits) have begun referring to the inhalant as “galaxy gas,” which has become a worrisome social media trend.

Typical street names for inhalants include “whippits” or “poppers,” depending on the substance. Inhalant substance abuse is sometimes called “huffing” (when using a cloth rag) or “bagging” (when inhaling the chemical sprayed into a plastic bag.)

There are four main types of inhalants, which include:

1. Volatile solvents start out as liquids but become vapors at room temperature.

Examples include:

• Nail polish remover
• Paint thinner
• Degreasers
• Cleaning fluids
• Correction fluid
• Felt-tip markers

2. Aerosol sprays cover a wide range of everyday products, usually compressed in a can.

Examples include:

• Spray paint
• Deodorant spray
• Cooking spray
• Hair spray

3. Natural gases can be found in the medical field and in household products.

Examples include:

• Anesthetics like nitrous oxide (laughing gas) and chloroform
• Butane lighters and other lighter fluid
• Propane gas

4. Nitrites (aka “poppers”) are more commonly used to enhance sexual experiences rather than achieve a high.

Why Do People Abuse Inhalants?

People use inhalants because they act quickly and produce mind-altering effects, such as feelings of euphoria, relaxation, or heightened sensations. They are also relatively cheap and easy to access despite the risks of abusing them.

When inhalants are breathed in, the vapors enter the lungs and are quickly absorbed into the bloodstream. From there, they travel to the brain and central nervous system (CNS), interfering with normal brain function.

Inhalants can also interact with the body by—

• Constricting blood vessels, causing feelings of warmth or tingling
• Slowing brain activity, which can cause sensations of dizziness or calm
• Inducing distortions or mild hallucinations

However, because inhalants act so quickly and intensely, they can also cause a wide range of effects and subsequent health problems.

Side Effects of Inhalant Abuse

Short-term effects of inhalant abuse refer to the side effects that happen shortly after use. These short-term effects can happen quickly and range in severity from dizziness to suffocation.

The range of short-term effects of inhalant abuse includes:

• Muscle weakness
• Heart failure
• Drowsiness
• Dizziness
• Nausea or vomiting
• Slow reflexes

On the other hand, long-term effects of inhalant abuse can happen to people who have used inhalants for inhalants for an extended time or even repeatedly over a shorter period.

The long-term effects of inhalants may include:

• Brain damage
• Organ damage (particularly to the lungs, kidneys, and liver)
• Memory problems
• Weight loss
• Addiction (also called inhalant use disorder)

Signs of Inhalant Use and Addiction

Inhalant users often express specific physical and behavioral changes that can help loved ones identify a problem with inhalant abuse.

Some of the more common signs of inhalant abuse can include:

• Chemical odors on the user’s breath, clothing, or skin.
• Paint or chemical stains around the mouth, nose, or clothing
• Used plastic bags with chemical odor or paint stains
• Slurred speech and poor coordination (similar to being drunk)
• Dizziness or confusion
• Nausea or loss of appetite
• Bloodshot eyes or runny nose, which happens due to chemicals irritating the airways

Inhalant abuse isn’t always an indicator of addiction, though abusing inhalants can cause someone to become mentally dependent on using inhalants.

Their compulsive need to keep abusing inhalant chemicals puts them at risk for long-term health problems and even death.

Signs of addiction to inhalants include:

• Frequent and secretive use: A person regularly seeks out inhalants and may hide their behavior.
• Withdrawal symptoms: Irritability, anxiety, or tremors when not using inhalants.
• Neglecting responsibilities: Ignoring work, school, or personal obligations to focus on inhalant use.
• Changes in behavior or mood: Increased irritability, aggression, or apathy.
• Health problems: Persistent headaches, memory loss, or declining overall health.

If you notice these signs in a loved one or suspect someone is abusing inhalants, you can get help from your doctor or a healthcare provider.

Inhalant Addiction Treatment

Treating inhalant addiction involves a combination of medical care, counseling, and individualized support.

The first step in treating inhalant addiction is detox, where the body clears any lingering substances out of its system.  Detox is often safest in a supervised setting, such as a treatment center, where medical professionals can monitor the individual and address any complications.

Some people might experience withdrawal symptoms (which can include anxiety, confusion, headaches, and cravings), which medical staff can also assist with during the detox process.

After detox, individuals can benefit from either inpatient or outpatient treatment options, depending on the severity of their inhalant addiction and their personal circumstances.

Inpatient care might be ideal for someone with a more severe or long-term inhalant addiction, while outpatient programs are typically more common when treating addiction to inhalants.

Counseling and therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), are essential components of inhalant addiction treatment.

Therapy helps people understand the reasons behind their substance use, develop strategies to avoid triggers, and build skills to cope with stress and emotional challenges.

Preventing inhalant use and addiction starts with education and awareness about the dangers of these substances—especially in young people. Proper education can help reduce the appeal of these drugs and discourage experimenting with them.

For anyone already struggling with inhalant addiction, effective treatment focuses on addressing both the physical and psychological aspects of substance use, particularly through counseling.

Preventing Inhalant Abuse and Addiction

The DEA reports that inhalants are often one of the first drugs that adolescents experiment with, likely due to their accessibility and short-acting effects.

As a result, certain safety measures have been implemented for various products, such as requiring ID to purchase correction fluid or compressed air for electronics. However, these restrictions only address part of the problem.

Preventing inhalant abuse requires a multi-faceted approach involving parents, educators, and communities.

For instance, parents can reduce risks by educating themselves about common household products misused as inhalants, securing them, and supervising their use. Schools can also include substance abuse education in health class curriculums.

Open and honest communication with children about the dangers of inhalant use is essential. Adolescents who understand the severe health consequences, such as brain damage and even sudden death, are less likely to experiment with inhalants (or even other drugs).

Inhalant Addiction Statistics

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), approximately 0.9% of Americans aged 12 and older reported using inhalants in the past year—thankfully indicating a general decline in inhalant use over the past two decades.

However, inhalant use is still a danger and can cause significant problems to many parts of the brain and other organs.

• Inhalant use is more prevalent among younger adolescents, with about 4% of 8th graders (around 14 years old) reporting inhalant use in the past year.
• Inhalant abuse can lead to sudden sniffing death syndrome, which can occur after a single use due to irregular heart rhythms, leading to heart failure.
• Inhalant abuse is often one of the first forms of substance misuse among adolescents, with about 1 in 5 students in the U.S. having tried inhalants by the time they reach eighth grade.
• In 2020, 6.1% of 8th graders reported using inhalants in the past year, an increase from 3.8% in 2016.

Get Help for Inhalant Use or Addiction

If you or someone you care about is struggling with inhalant use or addiction, help is available. Treatment programs, whether inpatient or outpatient, can provide medical care, counseling, and support tailored to individual needs.

For support, contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) or visit their online treatment locator.

This confidential service is available 24/7 to connect individuals with resources and treatment options in their area.

Remember, recovery is possible, and taking the first step toward help is a powerful decision.