What are Different Types of Inhalants?
Inhalants are an abused substance that has a wide variety of options. There are many things that a person can come up with to use as an inhalant to get high. “Inhalants” refers to the vapors from toxic substances which are inhaled to reach a quick high. There are over 1,000 household products that are regularly abused. The four different types of inhalants are liquids, sprays, gases, or nitrites.
How are the Different Types of Inhalants Used?
It is shocking to hear how people abuse inhalants and what they ingest into their bodies to get high for only a short period. It is also scary to find out someone you love is abusing these products, but it is also good to know so the abuse can be identified.
Some of the most commonly abused products are liquids that vaporize at room temperatures. These are the numerous and readily available household and industrial products such as paint thinners, degreasers, gasoline, glues, correction fluids and felt-tip marker fluids. Other abused products are sprays such as spray paints, deodorants, hair sprays, vegetable oil sprays, and fabric protectants.
Also commonly abused gases include medical anesthetics (ether, chloroform, and nitrous oxide, commonly called “laughing gas”), butane lighters, propane tanks, whipped cream dispensers, and refrigerants.
The most dangerous products used are nitrites (a chemical compound found in food preservatives, leather cleaner, room deodorizers, etc.) and they are a special class of inhalants which act directly on the central nervous system, brain, and spinal cord. They are used mainly as sexual enhancers and are commonly known as “poppers” or “snappers.”
When abusing inhalants, the user only gets a euphoric feeling that lasts for 2 to 5 minutes. You may notice any of these products have come up missing or see multiple empty products in the trash. If this is something you have noticed, look for other signs that might show a person is abusing these products.
Signs of Inhalant Abuse
You should be familiar with the different types of inhalants, plus you need to know the symptoms of abuse.It is important to be aware of the signs that someone you love may be abusing inhalants.
These signs are what you can look for when you suspect someone is abusing these products:
- Mood swings
- Extreme anger, agitation, and irritability
- Exhaustion
- Loss of appetite
- Frequent vomiting
- Hallucinations and illusions
- Facial rashes and blisters
- A persistent runny nose and cough
- Dilated pupils
- Glazed or watery eyes
- Extremely bad breath
Why Do People Use Inhalants?
Inhalants are popular among teens and others because not only are they cheaper compared to a hard drug on the streets, but because they are legal to buy and easy to obtain. Just because they are cheaper, legal, and easy to get does not make them safer. When using these products correctly, they are safe for people to be around. But when abusing these products, things can get dangerous with permanent effects or even death.
Immediate effects of inhaling chemicals include:
- Increased heart rate
- Hallucinations or delusions
- Losing feeling or consciousness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Loss of coordination
- Slurred speech
Long-term Inhalant use can lead to serious health problems, including:
- Brain damage
- Muscle weakness
- Depression
- Headaches and nosebleeds
- Loss of sense of smell or hearing
If someone you love is abusing any types of inhalants, seek help for them right away. Whether they have developed an addiction yet, it is still something dangerous to do and, addiction to inhalants can develop just like they can with drugs on the streets. There is help for inhalant abuse! Call today to seek options for the help that is needed!
