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Inhalants

As a depressant drug, inhalants slow down the body’s functions.

Definition: Inhalants (or solvents) refer to commonly found substances which are misused by inhaling the vapours of the substance. The fumes or vapour of the substances create an intoxication or ‘high’.

Examples of inhalants include aerosols, paint, glue, cleaning products, gas, fuel, pens or markers.

The effect of inhalants are felt quickly, but don’t last very long.

Other nicknames for inhalants include: glue, gas, sniff, huff, poppers, chroming, bagging, rush, snappers.

Effects: The list of effects on this website are not definitive or exhaustive.

The short term/immediate effects of inhalants can include:

  • initial rush or “high” feeling
  • excitement
  • paranoia
  • headaches
  • nausea or vomiting
  • diarrhoea
  • finding things funny
  • acting out of character, doing things you might not normally do or may regret
  • seeing, hearing, feeling, smelling or experiencing things that aren’t really there
  • confusion
  • disorientation
  • drowsiness
  • blurry vision
  • bloodshot eyes
  • nosebleeds
  • runny nose and/or sneezing
  • slurred speech
  • irregular heart beat or rhythm
  • seizures
  • chest pain
  • low blood pressure
  • lack of coordination
  • blackouts or passing out
  • suffocation
  • coma
  • brain damage
  • sudden death

The long term effects of inhalants can include:

  • rashes, pimples or blisters around the mouth
  • irritability
  • depression
  • tremors
  • weight loss
  • loss of sense of smell
  • loss of hearing
  • anaemia
  • heart problems
  • memory loss
  • brain damage
  • liver and kidney damage
  • stomach ulcers
  • indigestion
  • dependence

Drug use can have a range of social consequences and can have impact not only on an individual, but also their relationships and their work or study. Drug use can cause financial issues, family problems and can also have legal consequences.

If you are concerned about your own or another person’s drug use we encourage you to seek professional help and assistance.

There are always risks associated with drug use. No use at all is the safest option.

Further information and support:

If you suspect an overdose call triple zero (000) immediately.

In an emergency or crisis situation always call triple zero (000) for police, fire and ambulance and follow instructions.

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Your Room

Visit the Your Room website for more information about inhalants effects, dependence, risks, support services and other information.

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