Inhalants

 A& Q 

Info

The bottom line: If you know someone who 

uses inhalants, urge him or her to stop or get 

help. If you’re using inhalants—stop! The longer 

you ignore the real facts, the more chances you 

take with your life. It’s never too late. Talk to 

your parents, a doctor, a counselor, a teacher, or 

another adult you trust.

Do it today!

Curious about the TV ads of the National Youth Anti-Drug 

Media Campaign? Check out the Web site at www.freevibe.

com or visit the Office of National Drug Control Policy Web 

site at www.whitehousedrugpolicy.gov.

To learn more about inhalants or obtain referrals to 

programs in your community, contact one of the 

following toll-free numbers:

SAMHSA’s National Clearinghouse for Alcohol 

and Drug Information 

800-729-6686

TDD 800-487-4889

linea gratis en español 

877-767-8432

Since inhalants are found in Q.

household products, aren’t 

they safe?

No. Even though household A.

products like glue and air 

freshener have legal, useful 

purposes, when they are used 

as inhalants they are harmful 

and dangerous. These products 

are not intended to be inhaled.

Doesn’t it take many “huffs” Q. 

before you’re in danger?

No. One “huff” can kill you. Or A.

the 10th. Or the 100th. Every 

huff can be dangerous. Even if 

you have huffed before without 

experiencing a problem, there’s 

no way of knowing how the next 

huff will affect you.

Can inhalants make me lose Q.

control?

Yes. Inhalants affect your brain A.

and can cause you to suddenly 

engage in violent, or even 

deadly, behavior. You could hurt 

yourself or the people you love.
Get the Facts...

Inhalants affect your brain. Inhalants are 

substances or fumes from products such as glue 

or paint thinner that are sniffed or “huffed” to cause 

an immediate high. Because they affect your brain 

with much greater speed and force than many other 

substances, they can cause irreversible physical and 

mental damage before you know what’s happened. 

Inhalants affect your heart. Inhalants starve the 

body of oxygen and force the heart to beat irregularly 

and more rapidly—that can be dangerous for your 

body.

Inhalants damage other parts of your body. 

People who use inhalants can experience nausea and 

nosebleeds; develop liver, lung, and kidney problems; 

and lose their sense of hearing or smell. Chronic use 

can lead to muscle wasting and reduced muscle tone 

and strength.

Inhalants can cause sudden death. Inhalants can 

kill you instantly. Inhalant users can die by suffocation, 

choking on their vomit, or having a heart attack.

Before You Risk It...

Get the facts. Inhalants can kill you the very first time 

you use them.

Stay informed. Inhalants include a large group of 

chemicals that are found in such household products 

as aerosol sprays, cleaning fluids, glue, paint, paint 

thinner, gasoline, propane, nail polish remover, 

correction fluid, and marker pens. None of these are 

safe to inhale—they all can kill you.

Be aware. Chemicals like amyl nitrite and isobutyl 

nitrite (“poppers”) and nitrous oxide (“whippets”) are 

often sold at concerts and dance clubs. They can 

permanently damage your body and brain.

Know the risks. Chronic inhalant abusers may 

permanently lose the ability to perform everyday 

functions like walking, talking, and thinking.

Look around you. The vast majority of teens aren’t 

using inhalants. According to a 2004 study, only 1.2 

percent of teens are regular inhalant users and 89 

percent of teens have never even tried inhalants.1

Know the Signs...

How can you tell if a friend is using inhalants?

Sometimes it’s tough to tell. But there are signs you 

can look for. If your friend has one or more of the 

following warning signs, he or she may be using 

inhalants:

• Slurred speech

• Drunk, dizzy, or dazed appearance

• Unusual breath odor

• Chemical smell on clothing

• Paint stains on body or face

• Red eyes

• Runny nose

What can you do to help someone who is using 

inhalants? Be a real friend. Encourage your friend to 

seek professional help. For information and referrals, 

call the National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug 

Information at 800-729-6686.

The Truth About Inhalants 

Slang—Glue, Kick, Bang, Sniff, Huff, Poppers, Whippets, Texas Shoeshine

Revised in 2006

For more information or for references to facts found in this Tips for Teens, go to www.ncadi.samhsa.gov.