Medically reviewed by Kevin Wandler, MD, Chief Medical Advisor
When people think about inhalant misuse, they often picture teenagers sniffing glue. But adults misuse inhalants too, whether that means huffing aerosol dusters, inhaling nitrous oxide from canisters or using “poppers.” Because these products are cheap, legal to buy for their intended purposes and found in many homes and stores, their dangers are easy to overlook.
This article explains what inhalants are, how they affect the body, the serious risks involved, the signs of misuse and how adults can get help. The goal is not to frighten anyone but to give clear, practical information about a type of substance use that rarely gets discussed.
What Counts as an Inhalant?
Inhalants are substances whose vapors are breathed in to produce a mind-altering effect. They fall into a few broad groups:
- Volatile solvents: liquids that turn into vapor at room temperature, such as paint thinner, gasoline, glue, correction fluid and some markers
- Aerosols: sprays that contain propellants, such as spray paint, deodorant, cooking spray and computer keyboard dusters
- Gases: including butane lighter fluid, propane and nitrous oxide, which is sold in small canisters and larger tanks
- Nitrites: often called poppers, which are sold in small bottles and used for a brief rush or during sex
People may sniff vapors directly, spray them into the nose or mouth, inhale from a soaked rag, or breathe from a bag or balloon.
Why Adults Turn to Inhalants
Adults who misuse inhalants often describe a few common reasons. The products are inexpensive and easy to buy. The high comes on fast and fades quickly, which can make it seem manageable or easy to hide. Nitrous oxide is sometimes passed around at parties and concerts, and poppers are used in some social settings. Other people turn to inhalants when alcohol or other drugs are not available, or use them alongside drinking.
Whatever the starting point, inhalant use can become a pattern that is hard to break, and it often travels with stress, loneliness, depression or other substance use.
How Inhalants Affect the Body
Most inhalants act quickly on the brain, producing a short high that may feel similar to alcohol intoxication: dizziness, lightheadedness, slurred speech, loss of coordination and sometimes hallucinations. Because the effects fade quickly, people often inhale repeatedly to keep the feeling going, which increases the danger.
Nitrites work differently. They widen blood vessels and cause a sudden drop in blood pressure, which produces a warm, lightheaded rush and a racing heart.
The Serious Risks of Inhalant Misuse
Immediate dangers
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, inhaling concentrated chemicals can cause the heart to beat irregularly and stop, sometimes called sudden sniffing death. This can happen to anyone, including a first-time user. Other immediate risks include suffocation, choking on vomit, seizures, falls, burns and injuries from accidents.
Longer-term harm
Repeated misuse can damage many parts of the body, including:
- The brain, with effects on memory, thinking, movement and coordination
- Nerves, causing numbness, tingling or weakness in the hands and feet
- Hearing
- The liver and kidneys
- The heart
Heavy nitrous oxide use can interfere with vitamin B12, which the body needs for healthy nerves. Over time, this can lead to nerve damage and difficulty walking. Nitrites can be dangerous when combined with certain heart or erectile dysfunction medications because both lower blood pressure.
What to Do in an Emergency
Call 911 if someone who has been using inhalants is unconscious, not breathing, having a seizure, having chest pain or is confused and unable to respond normally. While waiting for help, keep the person calm and still, get them to fresh air if it is safe to do so, and if they are breathing but unresponsive, turn them onto their side. Stay with them until help arrives.
Warning Signs of Inhalant Misuse
- Chemical smells on breath, clothing or in a room
- Paint or other stains on the face, hands or clothes
- Sores or a rash around the nose or mouth
- Empty aerosol cans, gas canisters, balloons or soaked rags
- Seeming drunk or dazed without having been drinking
- Slurred speech, nausea or loss of appetite
- Irritability, depression or changes in memory and concentration
If you are worried about a family member, our page on supporting a loved one offers guidance on starting a conversation and taking care of yourself along the way.
Withdrawal and Recovery
People who use inhalants regularly can develop dependence. When they stop, some experience irritability, trouble sleeping, sweating, nausea, mood changes and cravings. These symptoms are usually manageable with support, but anyone who also uses alcohol or benzodiazepines should be careful: withdrawal from those substances can be life-threatening and should not be attempted abruptly without medical guidance.
At Promises Dallas-Fort Worth, our drug addiction treatment starts with a thorough assessment, including physical health, mental health and any other substances involved. Many adults who misuse inhalants are also coping with depression, anxiety or trauma, and our dual diagnosis treatment addresses those conditions together. For people who need a structured setting, residential treatment offers focused time to recover.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you get addicted to inhalants?
Yes. Regular inhalant use can lead to dependence and a substance use disorder, including cravings and difficulty stopping.
Is nitrous oxide safe because it is used by dentists?
Dental use is carefully controlled and mixed with oxygen. Recreational use from canisters or tanks carries serious risks, including nerve damage and loss of consciousness.
Can brain damage from inhalants improve?
Some effects may improve after stopping, while others can be lasting. Stopping as early as possible and getting a medical evaluation improves the chances of recovery.
Talk With Someone Today
Inhalant misuse can feel embarrassing to talk about, but our team hears it without judgment. Admissions staff are available 24/7. If you are in crisis or thinking about suicide, call or text 988.
We verify insurance benefits for free and confidentially. Visit our insurance options page, call (469) 546-9303, or contact our team.