Short-Term Effects
Most inhalants act directly on the nervous system to produce mind-altering effects. Within seconds, the user experiences intoxication and other reactions similar to those from alcohol. There are a variety of phenomena that may be experienced during or shortly after use, including:
- Slurred speech
- Drunk, dizzy or dazed appearance
- Confusion
- Nausea
- Inability to coordinate movement
- Hallucinations and delusions
- Impaired judgment
- Unconsciousness
- Severe headaches
- Rashes around the nose and mouth
- Sudden Sniffing Death Syndrome (heart failure)
- Death from suffocation, seizures, coma or choking
Long-Term Effects
The chronic use of inhalants has been associated with a number of serious health problems. Sniffing glue and paint thinner causes kidney problems. Sniffing toluene* and other solvents causes liver damage.
Long‑term users have experienced:
- Muscle weakness
- Disorientation
- Loss of coordination
- Liver and kidney damage
- Brain damage (loss of brain tissue)
- Memory impairment, diminished intelligence
- Hearing and vision loss
- Bone marrow damage
- Death from heart failure or lack of oxygen to the brain
- Blackouts caused by blood pressure changes
* toluene: a colorless liquid with a strong, sweet odor, commonly used as an industrial solvent and a fuel
Tomorrow is the sixth anniversary of our son Justin’s death. He was 16. He died from inhaling air freshener, an act of inhalant abuse. His senseless death rocked the worlds of all who knew him. Justin was an honors student who loved life and embraced it with enthusiasm. He was a source of inspiration for many. I will always be haunted by the question of whether Justin would be with us today had he known about the risks he was taking.” —Jackie
How much do you really know about inhalants?
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