COUNCIL ON DRUG ABUSE

THE DRUG FILE

INHALANTS

Street Names

sniff, huff
spray
buzz bomb
moon gas
snotballs
air blast

Description
Inhalants are found in household products and used recreationally for their mind-altering effects. Inhalants are only taken through breathing them in, and no other route of administration. They can be inhaled from a cloth saturated with the substance, inhaled from a can, or sprayed or poured into a plastic bag and inhaled. There are several different types of inhalants. There are volatile solvents, which are liquids that vapourize at room temperature. Examples of volatile solvents include paint thinner, gasoline, glue, whiteout or lighter fluid. Another type is aerosols. Aerosols are sprays that contain propellants and solvents, such as spray paint or hair spray. Yet another type of inhalant is gases. Gases are found in household and commercial products, or medical anaesthetics. Examples of gases used as inhalants would be ether, nitrous oxide, propane tanks or whipped cream dispensers. The last kind of inhalants is nitrites. An example of a nitrite would be amyl nitrite, which is a chemical used in medicine to expand blood vessels to lower blood pressure.

Origin and medical usage
Inhalants are made in factories with the intention of being used for household, industrial or commercial use. They have no accepted medical use, with the exception of medical anaesthetics such as nitrous oxide. Each inhalant is different in its chemical makeup and origin.

Short-term effects
Short-term effects of inhalant abuse may include, but are not limited to, slurred speech, euphoria, exhilaration, decrease in breathing and heart rate, light-headedness, dizziness, unconsciousness, nausea, vomiting, sneezing, coughing, bad breath, loss of appetite, nosebleeds, aggressive behaviour, hallucinations, delusions and losing touch with surroundings.

Long-term effects
The long-term effects of inhalant abuse may include, but are not limited to, weight loss, depression, irritability, fatigue, electrolyte imbalances, damage to the nervous system which causes a decrease in mental capabilities, hearing loss, unco-ordinated movements, inattentiveness, damage to liver, kidneys, blood and bone marrow, muscle spasms, disorientation, coma and death.

Withdrawal
Withdrawal is what happens when people stop using inhalants and they start to experience uncomfortable symptoms as a result of discontinued use. Symptoms of withdrawal from inhalant use may include, but are not limited to, nausea, headache, anxiety, depression, irritability, dizziness and a craving for the drug.

Legal status
Inhalants are not controlled in Canada, however, inhaling or selling for the purpose of inhaling is illegal.

Signs that a person might be using
Signs that someone may be abusing inhalants include, but are not limited to, slurred speech, drunk and dazed appearance, unusual breath odour, chemical smell in room, red eyes, runny nose, decrease in school or work performance, decrease in grooming, sores or rashes around nose and mouth, strange smudges on face and hands, paraphernalia such as rags, cloths, or empty household product containers found in room or hidden in closet, and a change in personality or behaviour.