Inhalant Abuse Information

Helpful inhalant abuse information for parents and teens

What are inhalants?

Inhalants are becoming one of the most alarming topics for parents regarding drug abuse issues and teens.  Inhalants are volatile substances that produce chemical vapors that can be inhaled to induce psychoactive, or mind-altering, effects. Although teens abuse other substances that can be inhaled, the term "inhalants" is used to describe a variety of substances whose main common characteristic is that they are rarely, if ever, taken by any route other than inhalation. Inhalant abuse is done by breathing the vapors from these products hoping for a quick high, unaware of the serious health consequences of their actions.

Common household inhalant products:

• nail polish remover
• spray paint and glue
• lighter fluid
• hair and deodorant sprays
• cleaning fluid
• whipped cream canisters

Common medical/industrial inhalant products:

• gasoline
• dry cleaning fluid
• nitrous oxide (laughing gas)
• paint thinner
• paint remover

Types of Inhalants

Volatile Solvents

Volatile solvents are liquids that vaporize at room temperature. They are found in:

• paint thinners and removers, dry cleaning fluids, degreasers, and gasoline
• glues, correction fluids, felt-tip marker fluids, and electronic contact cleaners

Gases

Gases include household or commercial products such as:

• butane (from lighters), propane (gas grills), and cooling system fluids
• medical anesthetic gases, such as ether, chloroform, halothane, and nitrous oxide

Aerosols

Aerosols are sprays that contain propellants and solvents. Some common aerosols include:

• spray paint, hair and deodorant sprays, whipped cream dispensers, fabric protector sprays, and vegetable oil cooking sprays

Nitrites

Nitrites are a special class of inhalants which are abused by teens. While other inhalants are used to alter mood, organic nitrites are used primarily as sexual enhancers. Organic nitrites include amyl, butyl, and cyclohexyl nitrites and other related compounds, and are commonly known as "poppers." Amyl nitrite was used in the past to alleviate chest pain and is sometimes used today for diagnostic purposes in heart examinations. Most poppers contain isobutyl nitrite or butyl nitrite. These nitrites are often sold in small brown bottles and labeled as "video head cleaner," "room odorizer," "leather cleaner," or "liquid aroma."

By having the knowledge and inhalant abuse information, we can help our youth stay away from these toxic chemicals.

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