Inhalant use refers to the intentional breathing of a gas or vapor with of purpose of getting high. According to national surveys, inhaling dangerous products is becoming one of the most widespread problems in the country. The 1999 National Household Survey found that almost half a million young people use inhalants in any month. The following provides additional information on inhalant abuse as well as links to related sites. The quick high from inhalants lasts only a few minutes, so abusers often inhale repeatedly over several hours.
Most inhalants are common products found right in the home.
Common inhalants used to get high include rubber cement, paint thinner, nail polish remover, gasoline, cleaning fluids, spray paint, correction fluids and bleach. Inhalants are one of the few substances abused more by younger children than by older ones. Statistics show that young, white males have the highest usage rates. Hispanic and American Indian populations also show high rates of usage. Gender differences in inhalant abuse have been identified at different points in childhood.