Inhalants

Module 5
What are inhalants?
Inhalants are usually
common household
products which can be
inhaled.
Examples: nail polish
remover, glue, gasoline,
and household cleaners,
fluorinated hydrocarbons
(which are found in
aerosols such as hairspray
and spray paint)

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The three categories of inhalants
Solvents

This includes certain industrial

(household) products such as paint
thinner, nail polish remover,
degreaser, dry-cleaning fluid,
gasoline, glue as well as art or office
supplies such as white-out, felt-tip
marker fluid, and electronic contact
cleaner

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The three categories of inhalants
Gases

Includes some commercial (household)

products such as butane lighters,
propane tanks, whipped cream
dispensers, and refrigerant gases as well
as certain household aerosol
propellants, such as those found in
spray paint, hair spray, deodorant spray,
and fabric protector spray.
Medical anesthetic gases, such as ether,
chloroform (most dangerous),
halothane, and nitrous oxide

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The three categories of inhalants
Nitrites

Cyclohexyl nitrite (in products

such as room deodorizers)
Amyl nitrite (for medical
purposes)
Butyl nitrite (was previously
used in perfumes and antifreeze,
and is now an illegal substance)

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Effects of inhalant substances
The immediate effects resemble alcohol inebriation -
stimulation, a sense of euphoria and intoxication
This is followed by a period of depression
The effects are short lived, resulting in the prospect of
repeated abuse
loss of sensation, and even unconsciousness
 Irreversible effects can be hearing loss, limb spasms,
central nervous system or brain damage, or bone
marrow damage. Sniffing high concentrations of
inhalants may result in death from heart failure or
suffocation (inhalants displace oxygen in the lungs).

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Long Term Effects
Long term abuse can lead to;
 Permanent 'sniffer's rash‘
 Conjunctivitis
 Liver, heart and kidney
damage
 Brain damage
 Death

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Why Do People Abuse Inhalants?
To avoid feeling hungry
Family problems
Peer Pressure
Low self-esteem
“Poor Man’s Alternative” to drugs

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