What Are Inhalants?

When we think about addiction, inhalants might not be the first thing that comes to mind, but they can be just as dangerous and addictive as other substances. This subject is often hidden from view, but one that can have serious consequences on the physical and mental health of an individual. For many, inhalant use starts as a way to cope with stress, anxiety, or feelings of isolation. But before long, it can spiral into a full-blown addiction, leading to problems at home, school, and work. Within the LGBTQ+ community, the pressures of discrimination, stigma, and marginalization can lead to experimenting with substances like inhalants as a form of escape. Their quick and intense effects might seem tempting, especially in moments of feeling overwhelmed or seeking a rapid escape from reality. Keep reading to learn more about inhalants.

What To Know About Inhalants

Inhalants are volatile substances; that is, chemicals or gases that vaporize at room temperature, in which their vapors can be inhaled and produce intoxicating psychoactive effects. They are harmless when they are used as intended, however, their vapors can quickly become dangerous and potentially fatal when they are intentionally inhaled to get high. Similar to the effects of alcohol, inhalants produce short-lived mind-altering effects. Inhalants are solely characterized by their method of abuse- inhalation. These substances are known by their street names, whippets, huff, laughing gas, or hippie crack.

Inhalants are a bit of a misnomer because these substances are not drugs. They are mostly household chemicals that are intended for cleaning or various other uses. The fact that they vaporize at room temperature makes them subject to possible inhalation and recreational use by various individuals. Most labels on the inhalants contain warnings to use only in a well-ventilated area to avoid the accidental inhalation of toxic fumes.

How Do Inhalants Work?

When an individual breathes in the fumes from chemicals that produce psychoactive vapors, the toxins enter their lungs, their bloodstream and go directly to their brain. Unlike drugs that are swallowed and have to pass through your digestive system, inhalants are not exposed to any real filtering system on their way to your brain. There is no way to dilute them or to slow their effects. Because the fumes from these products go straight from the lungs and directly into the bloodstream, the effects are felt quickly and last only a few minutes.  Due to this reason, individuals may consume the substance multiple times to experience a constant, longer-lasting high.

At first, there is a euphoric, almost giddy, excitement followed by drowsiness. Inhalants depress their inhibitions, making them more likely to engage in risk-taking behaviors. The high is also followed by lightheadedness and agitation.

What Substances Are Considered Inhalants?

There are several substances out there that could be inhaled to provide a light-headed or euphoric effect, and as is typical with drug abuse, access is a key component. Anything from a magic marker to an adhesive product can give off vapors that have a psychoactive effect. Substances often inhaled for recreational purposes are divided into these categories:

• Volatile solvents
  Solvents have a hundred and one uses around the home or office. These substances include liquids that turn into vapor at room temperature, so as soon as the individual opens the bottle, there is a strong odor. Volatile solvents include felt-tip markers, paint thinner, gasoline, glues, degreasers, dry-cleaning fluids, lighter fluids and felt-tip markers
• Aerosols
  Liquids that come in a spray can are often mixed with a propellant. That is the chemical that makes them spray out of the can when the individual presses the button. Aerosols include hair spray, spray paint, vegetable oil spray, spray deodorant and aerosolized computer cleaning products, static guard, non-stick cooking spray and almost anything else that comes in a spray can. The product itself is not the inhalant; it is the chemical propellant that leads to the high.
• Gases
  Seen in household and commercial products, gases are easier to hear than see. They tend to make a hissing sound when leaking out of their container. Butane lighters, propane tanks and refrigeration systems contain these harmful gases, as do some canned whipped topping products. Other gases inhaled include; freon, whipped cream canisters, chloroform, nitrous oxide and ether.
• Nitrites
  These are another category of inhalants that affect the central nervous system. They work by dilating blood vessels and relaxing the muscles. Nitrite inhalants are most often used to enhance sexual encounters. Examples are Poppers (amyl nitrite), often sold as room deodorizers, leather cleaners, rush, video head cleaners or liquid aroma.

The Effects Of Inhalant Use

Inhalants are used in different methods, with the most common method being huffing. While some individuals huff the vapors straight from the container, other people may inhale the substance out of a paper or plastic bag, as well as out of balloons filled with inhalant vapors.

The toxic effect of Inhalant is comparable to that of alcohol. However, unlike alcohol, inhalants can result in a temporary hallucinatory state. Moreso, the effects of inhalants may only last a few minutes.

These effects of inhalants include:

• Excitability
• Euphoria
• Hallucinations
• Lightheadedness
• Dizziness
• Loss of coordination
• Blacking out
• Slurred and distorted speech

Any use of inhalants is considered abuse, as these substances are not meant for recreational use. Additionally, inhalants cause a series of undesirable mental and physical health effects. They are central nervous system depressants, meaning high doses of these substances may lead to a fatal overdose. The long-term effects of inhalant use include;

• Liver damage
• Kidney damage
• Bone marrow damage
• Loss of coordination
• Muscle and limb spasms
• Nerve damage
• Brain damage.

Is Inhalant Recovery Possible?

Inhalant use leads to addiction just like any other substance. With that being said, Pride Detox approaches addiction recovery and detox with respect, trust and compassion. Inhalant addiction can be treated through detox and therapy, and we will set you up for success by providing coping tools to carry with you once treatment is completed. Reach out today at 1-562-525-5121 if you or your LGBTQ+ loved one is struggling with inhalant addiction.