What are they

Inhalants are substances produced from organic chemicals. They are a depressant, which means they slow down brain functions and the activity of the central nervous system – affecting body mind and emotions.

There are hundreds of inhalant products used to achieve a state of intoxication. All have different effects and carry with them different risks and consequences. There is no safe level of inhalant use.

There are four categories commonly used to classify inhalant products:

• Solvents are liquid or semi-solid substances that vaporise at room temperature giving off fumes. Examples include petrol, glue and correction fluid.
• Aerosols usually contain solvents and propellant gas contained under pressure. Examples include spray paint and fly spray.
• Gases include medical anaesthetics such as ether, chloroform and nitrous oxide as well as household and industrial gases found in fuels and fire extinguishers.
• Nitrites are slightly different in that they do not suppress the central nervous system.  They dilate blood vessels and are also muscle relaxants. Examples include amyl, butyl and isobutyl nitrite (together known as alkyl nitrites or poppers)

The rest of this section will refer to the top three categories and use the term inhalants to encompass all products.

Children and teenagers are the most common groups who use inhalants recreationally. Users are defined within four categories:

• The experimenter: Usually children and teenagers fall into this category. Experimentation does not usually last long, and is motivated by curiosity and a desire to imitate peer behaviour.
• The social /situational user: These are generally children and teenagers who, after experimentation, continue to use inhalants in a recreationally, usually with a group of friends. It is common for social use to end by mid-adolescence as other interests develop. This can include a move towards alcohol and tobacco.
• The problematic user: This user relies on inhalants daily and allows them to take priority over other important activities. Users at this usually experience behaviour changes including hassles with friends or families, health problems, the inability to handle common situations, and changing feelings. Help should definitely be sought at this stage.
• The chronic user: A very small number of inhalant users make up this category. It occurs when they are using increasing doses to achieve the desired effects. It is common for chronic users to use inhalants alone. People at this stage have increased behavioural problems and become unstable, especially within social environments.

Slang

Glue, Gas, Sniff, Huff, Chroming, Poppers, Fuels, Aerosols, Solvents, Nitrites