Inhalants

Inhalants are a group of diverse breathable substances people do not usually use as drugs. They are legal substances that are usually found in everyday household products. If these products are inhaled or sniffed, they can produce mind-altering/physical effects.

Which inhalants are commonly abused?

Anything in an aerosol can -- especially spray paint -- can be abused as a drug when inhaled. Other sprays include vegetable oil and hair sprays. Gasoline, transmission fluid, model airplane and other glues, paint thinners, and nail polish remover are other ordinary household substances abused in inhalation.

What are their effects?

 There is a high risk of sudden death from spray inhalation. These spray inhalants can either interfere directly with breathing, or they can produce irregular heart beats which can result in heart failure and death. During and shortly after inhalant use, the sniffer usually experiences a lack of control over coordination, thoughts and actions. Sometimes abusive and violent behavior can be a reaction to inhalants. Long-term effects of inhalants can be bone marrow damage, drastic weight loss, and impairment of vision, memory, and the ability to think clearly.