Guide to Household Substances That Can Be Misused — and Lead to Addiction or Abuse

Conversations about addiction and substance use often revolve around recreational drugs and alcohol. But there are many other items that can be misused or abused. These include many common items that you may use on a daily basis around the house. They’re often cheap and easily accessible — and risky. 

Here’s a guide to the substances found in your home that can also be dangerous when misused. We’ll also cover how to tell if someone is abusing these household items — and how to get help with treatment.

What is a substance use disorder?

Substance use disorder is when someone lacks control over using a substance, even though it’s harmful. This impacts a person’s day-to-day functioning and can lead to work and relationship problems.

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Drug use is a major public health concern, particularly among adolescents and young adults. About half of teenagers have tried illicit substances at least once. 

Drug use among young people is associated with other issues such as:

• Mental health disorders

• Substance abuse

• Violence

• Risky sexual behavior

The most commonly abused substances include:

• Alcohol

• Cannabis (marijuana)

• Cocaine

• Stimulants

• Opioid pain medications

But, aside from drugs and alcohol, there are many other substances that can get you high and can be dangerous. Many of these substances may be commonly found in your own home — or easily accessible from local stores or online. 

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Common household items that can be abused

In addition to well-known drugs, common household substances can also be used to get high. These substances may be used on their own or in combination with other drugs or alcohol. These items include: 

• Office supplies (like dusters)

• Food items (such as whipped cream or nutmeg)

• Glue and markers

Inhalants are commonly available around homes and are often the first substance that adolescents may experiment with. In fact, up to 3% of adolescents use inhalants to get high. There are many types of gasses that can cause a high in these products. Some categories are listed below, along with their risks.

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Volatile solvents

Volatile solvents are substances that become vapors that can be inhaled. These include:

• Paint thinners

• Paint remover

• Gasoline

• Glue

• Correction fluid (like Wite-Out)

• Markers

Aerosols

Aerosols are sprays that are inhaled. These include:

• Spray paints

• Spray deodorant

• Hair sprays

• Cooking sprays

• Fabric protectors

Gasses

Gasses that can be inhaled include:

• Nitrous oxide (“laughing gas”) that’s found in aerosol canisters, like whipped cream dispensers (hence the nicknames for this substance: “whippets,” “whippits,” or “whip-its”)

• Helium, such as from helium balloons

• Chloroform or halothane that can be found in refrigerants, lighters, or propane tanks

Nitrites

Nitrites are referred to casually as “poppers.” They’re abused for their sexual enhancement effects. Nitrates can be found in household products, such as air fresheners and deodorizers.

Spices

Nutmeg is a common household spice. But, when more than a few teaspoons are ingested, it can cause euphoria and hallucinations — similar to LSD. This is related to a substance called myristicin. 

Abuse of nutmeg can lead to toxicity, such as: 

• Abnormal heart rhythms

• Nausea and vomiting

• Agitation

• Hallucinations

• Death 

Risks of inhalant use

There are many serious and life-threatening risks with inhalant use.

Short-term risks of using inhalants include: 

• Dizziness

• Acute psychosis or violent behavior

• Seizures or brain damage

• Heart attack

Long-term risks of using inhalants include:

• Weight loss

• Mental health issues, such as depression or psychosis

• Muscle weakness

• Permanent brain damage 

• Memory problems or personality changes

• Liver and kidney damage 

Common OTC medications that can be abused

There are many over-the-counter (OTC) medications that can be addictive. OTC medications are often used to treat common complaints, such as pain or mild colds. But they can also be abused and have risks. It’s estimated that over 5% of people between ages 12 and 25 years have abused cough and cold medications.

Cough medicine 

Abuse of OTC cough medications that include dextromethorphan (Delsym, Robitussin) is on the rise. You may hear dextromethorphan referred to as: 

• DXM

• Dexing

• Dextro

• Robo

• Tussin 

In high doses (above the recommended daily dose of 120 mg), dextromethorphan can cause a feeling of dissociation, meaning you may feel as if you are out of your own body. It can also cause feelings of euphoria and hallucinations. People who abuse dextromethorphan sometimes take up to 1,500 mg. And this comes with very serious risks — including the risk of death. 

Cold medicine

People also abuse OTC cold medications that include pseudoephedrine (Sudafed). Pseudoephedrine is a decongestant. In high doses, it can cause a high or hallucinations. It can also be used to make illicit drugs, like methamphetamine.

Motion sickness medication

Some motion sickness medications, such as dimenhydrinate (Dramamine), can be abused for their psychedelic effects when taken in high doses. This may be referred to as “dime” or “substance D.” 

Allergy medication

Some people also abuse allergy medications to get a high. This may include chlorpheniramine (Aller-chlor) or diphenhydramine (Benadryl). 

Risks with OTC medications

There are many serious and potentially deadly risks that come with abusing OTC medications. For example, abuse of the medications listed above can lead to:

• Breathing difficulties

• Fatigue and drowsiness

• Blood pressure changes

• Nausea and vomiting

• Increased heart rate and irregular heart rhythms

• Paranoia or psychosis

• Seizures

• Brain damage

• Death

In addition, cough and cold medications often include other medications, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol). Acetaminophen can cause liver failure and death when taken in large doses. 

Household products that contain hidden alcohol

Some common products used around the home contain high levels of alcohol, which can be abused. These products often contain types of alcohol that differ from ethanol, the type of alcohol that’s found in commonly consumed alcoholic beverages. 

When checking the ingredients listed on the packages for household products, look for alcohols like:

• Isopropyl alcohol

• Methanol

• Acetone

These alcohols can be very dangerous when consumed, particularly at the high concentrations used in household products. 

Examples of common products that contain alcohol include:

• Vanilla extract and other flavored extracts contain a very high amount of ethanol.

• Mouthwash, used for its ability to kill bacteria in the mouth, often contains ethanol.

• Perfume or cologne may have a high ethanol content, between 20% and 95%.

• Hand sanitizer or rubbing alcohol contains isopropyl alcohol, used for its ability to disinfect. 

• Nail polish remover contains high levels of acetone.

• Windshield wiper fluid contains high levels of methanol.

Risks of alcohol use in household products

Misusing household products for their alcohol content has serious risks. Often these products have a high alcohol content and can easily cause alcohol poisoning. Alcohol poisoning can lead to breathing difficulty, seizures, or death.

How can you tell if someone is using household items to get high?

It may be hard to know if someone is abusing household products. You may notice:

• Signs of intoxication

• Changes in behavior, sleep, or weight loss

• A continually decreasing supply of products

• Rags or clothes with chemical odor

• Stains on hands, fingertips, or mouth

Drug addiction means someone cannot control their drug seeking and drug use, despite the consequences. As a parent, it’s crucial to communicate with your child (or children) about the dangers of these products and to look for any behavior changes or concerning signs of drug abuse.

How to get help if someone is using these common items as a substance to get high

If you suspect a loved one may be abusing drugs or alcohol, there are important steps you can take. These steps will likely involve having hard conversations and making a plan. To help you navigate these talks, there are resources for parents and caregivers that can help you set clear rules and expectations and create shared goals with your loved one.

If you or someone you know is struggling with abuse or addiction, there are ways to get help. Drug addiction is often a chronic condition and can be treated with a combination of:

• Counseling

• Medication

• Treatment of other mental health conditions

• Long-term follow up

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Written by:

Christina Palmer, MD

Christina Palmer, MD, is a board-certified family physician with a special interest in chronic care management, women’s health, mental health, and preventive care. She has over 10 years of experience in primary care research, innovation, and practice.

Edited by:

Karla Robinson, MD

Karla Robinson, MD, is a medical editor for GoodRx. She is a licensed, board-certified family physician with almost 20 years of experience in health through varied clinical, administrative, and educational roles.

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