Inhalants are products containing chemical vapors that people intentionally breathe in for mind-altering effects. These substances are not typically drugs but are common household or commercial items readily found in homes, schools, or workplaces. Examples include spray paints, correction fluids, glues, cleaning fluids, and even certain gases. People inhale these vapors through various methods like sniffing, snorting, huffing, or bagging.
Immediate Bodily and Mental Effects
Once inhaled, inhalant vapors rapidly enter the bloodstream and affect the central nervous system, producing effects similar to alcohol intoxication. Users may experience rapid lightheadedness, dizziness, and euphoria. This can quickly progress to impaired coordination, slurred speech, and a dazed or disoriented appearance.
Other immediate effects include nausea and vomiting. At higher doses, individuals might experience confusion, delirium, or even a temporary loss of sensation, known as anesthesia, which can lead to unconsciousness. Hallucinations and delusions can also occur, distorting perception and judgment.
Acute Risks and Life-Threatening Dangers
Inhalant use carries severe and immediate dangers, even from a single instance. One serious risk is “Sudden Sniffing Death Syndrome” (SSDS), where the heart stops suddenly. This can happen when the chemicals in inhalants make the heart more sensitive to adrenaline, leading to irregular and rapid heart rhythms that result in fatal heart failure within minutes.
Asphyxiation is another significant risk, which occurs when the inhaled chemicals displace oxygen in the lungs, or when breathing is obstructed by methods like bagging. This oxygen deprivation can cause suffocation and death. Seizures and coma are also possible, as are choking on vomit if consciousness is lost. While rare, acute liver and kidney damage can also manifest after a single exposure to certain inhalants.
Duration of Effects and Immediate Aftermath
The intoxicating effects of inhalants are rapid, often beginning within seconds. However, these effects are short-lived, usually lasting only a few minutes. This brief duration often leads users to repeatedly inhale substances to prolong desired effects.
As immediate effects wear off, individuals may experience an aftermath including drowsiness, disorientation, and headaches. Nausea and mental numbness can also persist as the body processes chemicals. These lingering effects highlight the transient nature of inhalant intoxication.
Responding to an Inhalant Emergency
If someone is experiencing a severe reaction or overdose from inhalants, immediate action is necessary. Call emergency services, such as 911, immediately. While waiting for help, stay with the person and try to keep them calm if conscious.
If the person is unconscious or having difficulty breathing, monitor their breathing and ensure an open airway. If they are vomiting, gently roll them onto their side to prevent choking. Avoid chasing or confronting someone high on inhalants, as sudden stress or physical exertion can trigger life-threatening “Sudden Sniffing Death Syndrome.” Provide emergency responders with information about substances used.