Health effects
It is important to understand there is a large and varied range of products that can be abused. Intoxication levels and effects can differ depending on the method of use and the make up of chemical compounds present in different substances. The effects below are commonly experienced with a broad range of products.
Short-term effects
Inhalants enter the blood stream directly from the lungs. The effects are felt immediately as the chemicals contained in inhalants rapidly reach the brain and other organs. Effects of inhalant use vary between persons and environments so it is difficult to predict the effects the inhalants will have. Combinations of inhalants and varying dosage may also affect an individual's reactions.
Short-term effects include:
- initial feelings of wellbeing and relaxation
- excitement
- loss of inhibitions
- drowsiness
- flu like symptoms
- reckless behaviour
- blurred vision
- unpleasant breath
- depressed reflexes
- nosebleeds and sores around the mouth and nose.
Short-term effects are similar to those from alcohol. They usually subside after an hour, with the initial high subsiding after only seconds or minutes. Mild hangovers or headaches can occur after the immediate effects wear off and, in extreme cases, these can last up to several days, depending on how much was inhaled.
If large quantities are inhaled over a short period the effects are intensified and the user may become disorientated and lose control of their body and feelings. This can lead to dangerous behaviour and result in injury.
Long-term effects
Heavy and frequent use of inhalants can result in intensified short-term effects and can cause serious physical and psychological problems, including:
- pale appearance and weight loss
- tremors
- feelings of tiredness
- constant thirst
- facial sores
- memory loss
- personality changes
- irritability
- stupor or coma
- seizures
- irregular heartbeat
- problems with breathing
- brain and nerve damage.
The lead in petrol, and some chemicals in other inhalants, may build up in the body irritating the lining of the stomach and intestines, damaging the brain, nervous system, kidneys and liver and can also cause various types of cancer. Inhaling chrome based paints (chroming) may lead to bloodshot eyes as blood vessels in the eye burst, eventually leading to blindness. Amnesia may also result.
Medically long-term use can cause damage to the brain. Hepatitis, bone marrow suppression and renal failure are also noted.
A small number of deaths have occurred from inhalant use, most commonly from cardiac arrest, known as ‘sudden sniffing death’. Death at first time use following inhalation from aerosols and fire extinguishers has also been documented.
