A diverse group of chemicals that are found in consumer products such as aerosols, glue, paint thinner, cigarette lighter fluid and cleaning solvents produce effects similar to those caused by alcohol, and may cause hallucination when ingested in high doses. According to a 1999 survey by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, inhalant use among all grades has risen steadily since 1991. Nearly twenty percent of all adolescents report using inhalants at least once in their lives.
Current use is highest among eighth graders.
Inhalant use can cause a number of physical and emotional problems including dizziness, distortion of space and time, nausea and nosebleeds, irregular heartbeat, nervous system damage, and liver, lung and kidney impairment. Effects are felt virtually immediately, however, the duration of effects depends on the substance used. Commonly used inhalants usually produce effects that last just a few seconds for some, and up to several hours for others. Some inhalants will depress the central nervous system to the point where respiration ceases. Others can cause heart failure.