Inhalants are substances that people breathe in to feel high. The effects vary depending on the substance.
Most inhalants slow down messages between the brain and body. This slows your breathing and heart rate and makes you feel dizzy or confused.
People may inhale substances from a:
- bottle or container
- cloth or sleeve
- plastic bag
There is a high risk of suffocation or death if people spray the substance directly into their mouth or nose. But any inhalant can cause sudden death.
Other names for inhalants
Other names include: chroming, huffing, volatile substances
Types of inhalants
Types of substances used as inhalants include:
- chemicals sprayed from a pressurised container (aerosols)
- gases - such as nitrous oxide
- chemicals that can dissolve other substances (solvents)
People also inhale nitrites, such as amyl nitrite (poppers).
Effects of inhalants
Different inhalants have different effects.
The effects of specific inhalants can also vary depending on:
- your health
- how you use the inhalant
- how much you use
- if you take alcohol, medicines or other drugs at the same time
- where you take the inhalant
- how you feel before you take it
The effects can start immediately and last up to 45 minutes.
How you may feel or behave
You may feel:
- calm or relaxed
- drowsy
- giggly
- confused
- aggressive
Effects on your brain and body
Inhalants can cause:
- dizziness
- nausea (feeling sick) or vomiting (getting sick)
- loss of consciousness or blackouts
- memory problems
- slurred speech
- problems with coordination
- lower heart rate and breathing rate
- rash around the mouth
- seizures (fits)
- hallucinations - you may see, hear or feel things that are not there
- headaches
- nose problems such as nosebleeds or swelling in the nose (sinusitis)
- breathing problems
- swelling in your airways - this can cause choking and death
- cough - this can last longer with regular use of inhalants
- tinnitus (noise in the ears or head)
- accidents or injuries - this can be falls, burns or explosions
- brain, liver or kidney damage - if you use inhalants often
- sudden death
Sudden death from inhalants
Inhalants can cause sudden death from suffocation or heart problems.
Suffocation
Suffocation is when someone dies because they cannot get enough oxygen.
This can happen when people use inhalants because:
- their throat can swell and causes breathing problems
- they choke on their vomit
- they use in a risky way - for example, a bag covers their mouth and nose
- a gas or other substance fills their airway
- they have a health condition - for example, asthma
Sudden sniffing death syndrome (SSDS)
Your heart needs oxygen to beat. Inhalants can stop your body from getting enough oxygen.
Sudden sniffing death syndrome (SSDS) happens when the heart does not get enough oxygen and stops beating.
The risk is higher when a person is using an inhalant and they:
- use in a risky way
- use in small and enclosed spaces
- take large amounts very fast and without breathing
- have existing heart conditions
- get excited or startled
- run or do another sudden physical activity
All inhalants can be dangerous.
Inhalants and mental health
Regular use of inhalants can cause mental health difficulties or make existing difficulties worse.
Mental health difficulties linked with inhalant use include:
- depression
- anxiety
- problems with thinking and memory
- stress
- trauma
If you use inhalants and have mental health difficulties, you can get support for both.
Inhalants and dependency
Signs of dependency can include:
- cravings for a drug
- withdrawal symptoms
- continuing to use a drug even when it causes you harm
Inhalants do not usually cause physical dependency.
But some people may develop a tolerance if they use inhalants often. This is when you need to take more to get the same effects.
How long do inhalants stay in your system?
It can be hard to know how long inhalants stays in your system.
There are tests to detect inhalants. But different types of tests have different detection times.
Things that affect how long a drug stays in your system
The time it takes for a drug to leave your system depends on many things.
For example:
- how much you took
- how often you take the drug
- how strong the drug was
- your age, sex and metabolism
- your general health
Reducing risks from inhalants
It’s always safest not to take drugs. Inhalants can kill instantly.
If you do not want to use inhalants, it is OK to say no if someone is pressuring you. It can help to prepare some ways to say no.
Ways to say no if you do not want to use drugs
Often saying "No thanks" works well. You do not have to explain why.
You could also try:
- no thanks, I can't tonight
- no thanks, I’m cutting down
- no thanks, I’m taking a break for a while
If someone keeps pushing or makes you feel uncomfortable, you could:
- ask the person not to ask you again
- change the subject
- move away and talk to someone else
- leave the room
There are ways to reduce risks if you use inhalants. Select a piece of advice to find out more.
Consider if there is extra risk for you - such as health conditions or how you feel.
There are always risks if you use drugs. But some people may be more at risk than others.
If you or someone in your family has any health conditions or mental health difficulties, you may be more at risk of a drug emergency.
There is a higher risk of death if you have heart problems or breathing problems.
It can be hard to know your level of risk. Some people have health conditions and do not know it.
If you feel low, anxious or stressed, you are more at risk of a negative or challenging experience.
Be with people you trust and look out for each other - do not use alone.
Pick a meeting point and know what to do in case of an emergency.
Use in places with plenty of air and get enough oxygen.
There is a risk of suffocation if you use in enclosed spaces such as in a car.
To reduce the risk of suffocation:
- do not sleep with a canister against your nose or a blanket over your head
- do not spray directly into your mouth
- do not use plastic bags or masks to inhale
Take regular breaths of air.
Do not run or do other physical activities after using an inhalant. It can put extra strain on your heart.
Stay in a safe place away from risks such as heights, roads or water.
This is to reduce the risk of accidents or injuries. Inhalants can affect your control of your body and make you less aware of your surroundings.
Sit down if you use to reduce the risk of falls.
Only use 1 substance at a time.
Using inhalants with alcohol, medicines or other drugs can have unpredictable and negative effects. Mixing drugs is always more risky.
Keep inhalants away from lit cigarettes, lighters or other flames.
This is to reduce the risk of burns. Inhalants can catch fire very quickly.
Know what to do in case of a drug emergency.
If you take any kind of drug, it is important to know:
- signs of a drug emergency, including signs related to mental health
- what to do in case of overdose or other emergencies
An overdose can be a life-threatening condition. It happens when someone has too much of a drug or another substance in their system.
Getting help can prevent serious damage or death. Your wellbeing is the main priority.
Mixing inhalants with alcohol or other drugs
Using inhalants with alcohol, medicines or other drugs can have unpredictable and negative effects.
There is a higher risk if you mix inhalants with substances that slow down messages between your brain and body.
For example:
- alcohol
- opioids such as codeine or methadone
- benzodiazepines
It increases the risk of breathing problems and overdose.
Emergency action required: Call 112 or 999
you or someone else has used inhalants and has:
- lost consciousness
- problems breathing
- a seizure (fit)
- severe vomiting
- an irregular heartbeat or chest pain
Stay with the person until help arrives.
Tell the medics everything you know about the drug and give them any leftover drug if possible. It will help them decide the right treatment.
If you are worried about inhalant use
If you are worried about your own or someone else’s use, you can get support. This can be when inhalant use affects your health, relationships, school or other areas of your life.
Getting help can prevent sudden death.
Non-urgent advice: Drugs and alcohol helpline
You can contact the helpline for support, information or advice on treatment and support options.
Freephone: 1800 459 459
Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 5.30pm
Email: helpline@hse.ie