Inhalant Use

Inhalant use refers to the intentional inhalation or sniffing of various substances to become intoxicated. Inhaled substances can include thinners and solvents, propellants, butane and propane hydrocarbons, and nitrites. These substances may be found in spray cans, glues, paints, varnishes, nail polish removers, and cigarette lighters. [1] Nitrous oxide is also used for intoxication. [2] Chemicals are most commonly inhaled from their original containers through the nose or mouth. They may also be transferred into a paper or plastic bag for inhalation. [1] [3]

Legal status: According to a regulation on retail sales of chemicals, they may not be sold if there is reason to suspect they will be acquired for intoxication purposes or otherwise misused in a way that poses a significant health risk. [4] Selling chemicals in violation of this regulation is classified as a health crime under criminal law. [5]

How does it work?

The intoxicating mechanisms of some inhaled substances are not fully understood. [1] [3] It is believed that the areas of the brain affected by some inhalants are similar to those affected by alcohol. [6] The effect is primarily central nervous system depressant. [1]

The duration and intensity of the intoxicating effects depend greatly on the substance. Liquids such as butane act faster and more intensely. Glues release chemical vapors more slowly. Effects generally begin immediately and last for a few minutes. [1]

Experienced effects: Positive effects reported include feelings of excitement, euphoria, and disinhibition. The effects have been compared to alcohol intoxication. [1] [3] However, inhaling toxic chemicals also irritates mucous membranes and airways, which can lead to nausea, coughing, and shortness of breath. [1] Unwanted effects of intoxication may include memory lapses, confusion, and hallucinations. [6] The likelihood of hallucinations increases if intoxication occurs repeatedly. [1]

Inhalant use typically results in fatigue and headaches. The intoxication is partly due to temporary oxygen deprivation in the brain. [1]

Key risks

Acute risks: Inhalant use carries a risk of sudden death. It can cause arrhythmias or respiratory depression. Intoxicated individuals may lose consciousness, increasing the risk of choking on vomit. They are also more vulnerable to accidents. Fatal cases globally have most often involved inhaling chemicals from fuels, air fresheners, and cigarette lighters. [1] [7] Inhaling from a plastic bag has proven particularly dangerous. [7] In Finland, there is very little research data on inhalant-related accidents.

Risks of heavy use: Long-term inhalant use causes chronic rhinitis, repeated nosebleeds, sores in the nose and mouth, various infections, and tremors. It also causes particularly foul-smelling breath. Prolonged use has been associated with apathy, depression, and hostility. Paranoid thoughts may increase. [1] Inhalant use has also been linked to brain, liver, and kidney damage. [6]

Repeated use of solvents and other chemicals is especially dangerous for the developing brains of adolescents. [8] [9] Solvent use has been observed to reduce the size of the corpus callosum in the brain. [8] Some of these changes may be permanent. [9]

Dependence: There is little research on inhalant dependence. However, withdrawal symptoms are mentioned in the literature. These symptoms have been compared to alcohol withdrawal and may include anxiety, tremors, nausea, and sleep disturbances. [6]

Use during pregnancy: The effects of inhalant use during pregnancy have been poorly studied. [10] Heavy use during pregnancy may cause permanent damage similar to alcohol, including changes in the child’s appearance and brain developmental disorders. [7]

How can risks be reduced?

Risks associated with inhalant use are difficult to reduce. Inhaling toxic chemicals always damages body tissues. [6]

Repeated inhalation several times in a row should be avoided, as repeated oxygen deprivation can lead to unconsciousness. [1] [2] An unconscious person should be turned on their side to avoid the risk of choking on vomit and should be taken to emergency care.

Fresh air may help alleviate post-use fatigue and headaches.