Inhalant Use Disorder: How to Recognize the Signs

Inhalant misuse is the use of certain household chemical products for their mind-altering effects. When people repeatedly misuse inhalants, they may develop inhalant use disorder. People with inhalant use disorder may continue this behavior even though it has negative effects on their physical and mental health, relationships, and functioning.

The majority of people who misuse inhalants start as teenagers. This is particularly dangerous because inhalant misuse poses serious health risks and can cause brain damage. Even using inhalants one time can lead to dangerous consequences, including sudden death.

Because inhalant misuse is likely to start young and can lead to a disorder, parents, teachers, and other adults play a critical role in preventing and addressing inhalant misuse. 

Prevention strategies, such as locking up household chemicals, are necessary to reduce the chances of misuse. Treatment is also available for anyone experiencing inhalant use disorder or inhalant misuse. 

Read on to learn more about inhalants, signs of addiction, and ways to get help.

What are inhalants? And how are they misused?

Inhalants are household chemicals that some people use to get high. These chemicals have legitimate uses, like cleaning, but are not intended to be consumed. They are also sometimes referred to by names like:

• Whippets

• Poppers

• Snappers

• Sniff 

People misuse inhalants by breathing chemicals in through the nose or mouth. This causes a brief giddy or euphoric feeling and can also cause dizziness, confusion, or fainting.

Different types of inhalants include:

• Volatile solvents are liquids that turn into gas at a specific temperature. They include glue, nail polish remover, and paint thinner.

• Aerosols are gas or pressurized liquids that release as a spray. They include spray paint, hair spray, and cooking sprays.

• Gasses are found in certain commercial or medical products. They include butane lighters, whipped cream bottles, and nitrous oxide (laughing gas).

• Nitrites are products sold in small bottles that are advertised as things like leather cleaner and room odorizer. 

What are the most common inhalants that people misuse?

Volatile solvents are the most commonly misused inhalants. These chemicals evaporate when released into the air and can dissolve other substances. Because they are cheap and easy to get, inhalants are most often misused by children and teens.

What causes inhalant use disorder?

People misuse inhalants to get high. Consuming inhalants can cause a floating, euphoric feeling that lasts only a few minutes. Because the effects are short lived, a person may continue to use inhalants repeatedly to prolong the effects.

Inhalant use disorder can develop when a person repeatedly misuses inhalants. Over time, they may have difficulty controlling their use. When inhalant use disorder develops, a person may prioritize inhalant use over other aspects of their life, like work, family, and health. 

Some people may also develop a dependence on inhalants. Over time, the body can become reliant on the chemicals. If a person stops misusing inhalants, they may develop withdrawal symptoms like:

• Changes in mood

• Irritability

• Nausea

• Tremor

• Sleeping problems

Who’s most at risk of developing inhalant use disorder?

A 2020 national survey found that around 678,000 people over age 12 had used inhalants for the first time in the past year. Also, almost half were between the ages of 12 and 17. Children and teens have the highest rates of inhalant misuse, which puts them at greatest risk of developing inhalant use disorder.

What are the signs and symptoms of inhalant use disorder?

The symptoms of inhalant use disorder are the same as the symptoms of other substance use disorders. They include:

• Using inhalants more often or in larger amounts than intended

• Inability to stop or cut down

• Cravings

• Spending a lot of time obtaining or using inhalants

• Repeatedly using in situations that are dangerous

• Neglecting important roles, responsibilities, and activities because of inhalant use

• Experiencing social problems or problems at work or school related to use

• Continuing to use despite experiencing physical and/or mental health problems from using

• Tolerance

A person with inhalant use disorder may also show signs that are noticeable to others, such as:

• Changes in appetite or weight

• Odd behavior

• Poor coordination

• Changes in mood and attitude

• Chemical smells on the breath or clothing

• Stains on the body or clothing

• Purchasing excessive amounts of inhalants

• Hiding inhalant containers or items soaked in chemicals

What are the side effects of inhalant misuse?

Inhalant misuse can cause a range of short- and long-term side effects. Short-term reactions to misusing inhalants include:

• Slurred speech

• Dizziness

• Lack of coordination

• Delayed reflexes

• Blurry vision

• Tremor

• Muscle weakness

• Involuntary eye movements

• Coma

• Heart failure

• Sudden death

• Seizure

Long-term inhalant misuse can lead to:

• Immune system problems

• Liver damage

• Brain and nerve damage

• Kidney damage

• Bone marrow damage

• Breathing problems

• Hearing and vision problems

• Pregnancy problems

Misusing inhalants can cause damage to nerve fibers and cells in the brain. Inhalants break down the protective sheath that surrounds nerve fibers, which affects nerve cell communication. They also prevent brain cells from getting enough oxygen. Depending on the part of the brain that’s affected, inhalant misuse can lead to problems with:

• Memory

• Learning

• Processing speed

• Movement

• Coordination

• Planning

• Problem solving

How serious is inhalant misuse?

Inhalant misuse is dangerous because it can cause serious short- and long-term health risks. Misusing inhalants can cause damage to the following parts of the body:

• Brain

• Heart

• Liver

• Kidneys

• Red blood cells

• Reproductive organs

Inhalant misuse can also cause sudden death due to: 

• Cardiac arrest

• Asphyxiation

• Suffocation

• Seizures

• Choking

• Injuries

• Coma 

How is inhalant use disorder diagnosed?

Like other substance use disorders, inhalant use disorder is diagnosed following an evaluation with a professional, such as a: 

• Physician

• Psychiatrist

• Psychologist

• Therapist

• Counselor

During an evaluation, a provider will ask questions about:

• The type of inhalants you are using

• How long and how often you use inhalants

• How inhalant use has affected different areas of your life, such as your relationships, work, and health

• Any other substances you are using

• Any current or past mental health symptoms

• Family history of substance use disorders

Because inhalant misuse can cause serious health problems, an evaluation may also include a physical exam. If you are experiencing any health issues, your provider may treat your condition or refer you to another healthcare provider.

Once your provider gathers enough information, they can determine whether you have inhalant use disorder. If they diagnose you with the condition, treatment is the next step.

How do you treat inhalant use disorder?

Treatment for inhalant use disorder has not been studied as extensively as other substance use disorders. But some of the same therapy approaches that are helpful in treating other addictions may also be helpful for people with inhalant use disorder, such as:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which helps people cope with thoughts, feelings, and other triggers for substance use

• Motivational incentives, which provides rewards for abstinence

Treatment programs specifically geared toward inhalant use disorder are rare. Many people with this condition seek treatment from programs or providers that specialize in treating substance use disorders. 

People with inhalant use disorder may also have co-occurring mental health conditions. Any co-occurring conditions should be addressed in treatment at the same time. 

Teens may benefit from family therapy, which can help improve communication. Parents may require education on how to monitor and talk to their children to help lower the likelihood of continued inhalant misuse.

How can inhalant use be prevented?

Because inhalants are most often misused by children and teens, parents, teachers, and other adults play a key role in preventing inhalant misuse. To help prevent inhalant misuse, you should:

• Keep inhalants locked up.

• Keep track of inhalants in your home.

• Talk to your kids about the dangers of misusing inhalants.

• Look for signs of inhalant use.

• Encourage your kids to talk to you if they have any questions or concerns.

How to help yourself or someone else with inhalant use disorder 

The first step to helping someone you know recover from inhalant use disorder is to start a conversation about your concerns. Whether you are a parent, friend, or someone else, you can approach a loved one by:

• Initiating a conversation in a private location that is free of distractions

• Expressing your concerns about their inhalant use

• Explaining that you want to help

• Discussing treatment options and offering to assist them in finding help

Parents can also benefit from educating themselves on inhalant misuse and taking steps to prevent it. 

If you are a teen who is concerned about a friend, you should speak to an adult, like a parent, teacher, guidance counselor, or coach. An adult may be able to intervene and get your friend help. You can even ask that you remain anonymous if you are worried that your friend will be upset. Inhalant misuse is dangerous and can lead to serious health problems, so taking action is important.

What resources are available to help with inhalant use disorder?

If you or someone you know is dealing with inhalant use disorder, you can find help by contacting SAMHSA’s National Helpline. The helpline is open 24/7 and free of charge. It can assist you in finding local treatment centers, support groups, and other organizations.

There are also other ways to reach out for help. You can message the Helpline by texting your zip code to HELP4U (435748). If you would like to search online, SAMHSA also offers an online treatment locator.

Why trust our experts?

Written by:

Emily Guarnotta, PsyD

Emily Guarnotta, PsyD, is a licensed clinical psychologist and certified perinatal mental health professional with over 10 years of clinical experience.

Reviewed by:

Sarah Gupta, MD

Sarah Gupta, MD, is a licensed physician with a special interest in mental health, sex and gender, eating disorders, and the human microbiome. She is currently board certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology.

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