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Inhalant Use

Table of Contents


Overview

Inhalants are substances that produce chemical vapors that are mind-altering when inhaled. These substances are common household, industrial, or medical products. Most people don't think of them as drugs because they are not meant to be used in that way.

Inhalants include:

These substances can be inhaled in different ways. For example, aerosols can be sprayed directly into the nose or mouth. Nitrous oxide can be inhaled directly from balloons. Terms for the way inhalants are used include:

Effects of inhalants

When inhalants are breathed, they can cause:

The effects last only a few minutes.

After heavy use of an inhalant, the person may have a headache and feel drowsy for several hours. A person who inhales repeatedly over several hours may pass out and die.

Inhaling some substances can cause long-term health problems, such as brain, liver, kidney, blood, or bone marrow damage. Long-term use of inhalants also causes:

Inhalants are often not found with urine or blood drug screening tests. They have usually been passed from the body by the time the test is done.

Signs of use

Signs that a person may be using inhalants include:


Credits for Inhalant Use

Current as of: November 15, 2023

Author: Healthwise Staff (https://www.healthwise.org/specialpages/legal/abouthw/en)
Clinical Review Board (https://www.healthwise.org/specialpages/legal/abouthw/en)
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.


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