Inhalant Use Disorder

DisclaimerThis page is not here to be used as a self-diagnosis, self-identification, or promotion - it's simply here to be informational. Whether or not one self-diagnoses, self-identifies, and/or seeks a professional diagnosis is up to them.AddictionThe following page includes discussions of addiction, including substance abuse. If you are uncomfortable or get triggered by this topic, it is recommended to not read this page.

**Inhalant Use Disorder** is a problematic pattern of use of a hydrocarbon-based inhalant substance leading to clinically significant impairment or distress. It applies to the deliberate use of inhalants, not to the accidental inhalation of toxic or psychoactive substances.

Inhalant of nitrous oxide or of amyl-, butyl-, or isobutylnitrite are not classified under inhalant use disorder, but rather under other (or unknown) substance use disorder.

## Signs & Symptoms

Inhalant abusers may show the following signs:

* Chemical odor on the breath or clothes.
* Paint or other stains on hands, fingers and clothes.
* Changes in behavior, including lack of interest.
* Significant decrease of appetite and weight loss.
* Sudden change in friends and hobbies.
* Rapid decline in school performance.
* Poor hygiene and grooming habits.
* Slurred speech.
* Runny nose or nosebleeds.
* Tiredness.
* Ulcers or irritation around the nose and mouth.

Other symptoms may include:

* Confusion.
* Poor concentration.
* Depression.
* Irritability.
* Hostility.
* Paranoia.

### Inhalants

Commonly abused inhalant products include:

#### Glues and Adhesives

* Airplane glue.
* Other glues and cements.

#### Aerosols

* Spray paint.
* Hair spray.
* Deodorant.
* Air freshener.
* Analgesic spray.
* Asthma spray.
* Fabric spray.
* PC cleaner.
* Video head cleaner.

#### Anesthetics

* Gaseous.
* Liquid.
* Local.

#### Cleaning Agents

* Dry cleaning.
* Spot remover.
* Degreaser.
* Thinners.

#### Solvents and Gases

* Nail polish remover.
* Paint remover.
* Paint thinner.
* Correction fluid and thinner.
* Fuel gas.
* Lighter fluid.
* Fire extinguisher.
* Gasoline.

### Effects of Inhalants

Inhalants damage nerve fibers. Inhalants also damage brain cells by limiting the amount of oxygen that reaches the brain. The effect of this damage depends on the area of the brain, but could include:

* Memory problems, personality changes, learning disabilities, hallucinations.
* Speaking problems.
* Complex problem solving and planning and organization problems.
* Vision problems.
* Movement problems.

Inhalants depress the central nervous system, producing short-term side effects similar to drinking alcohol. The short-term effects of inhalant use include:

* Slurred speech.
* Lightheadedness.
* Intense feelings of happiness.
* Agitation.
* Headaches.
* Drowsiness.
* Dizziness.
* Excitability.
* Loss of coordination.
* Upset stomach.
* Blurred or double vision.
* Mucous membrane irritation.
* Irregular and rapid heartbeat that leads to sudden heart failure.

Long term side effects include:

* Lung damage.
* Liver and kidney damage.
* Hearing loss.
* Weakened immune system.
* Seizures.
* Limb spasms.
* Brain damage.
* Heart rhythm changes.
* Coma.
* Death.

## References

https://www.verywellmind.com/inhalant-use-disorder-21872

Howard MO, Bowen SE, Garland EL, Perron BE, Vaughn MG. Inhalant use and inhalant use disorders in the United States. Addict Sci Clin Pract. 2011 Jul;6(1):18-31. PMID: 22003419; PMCID: PMC3188822.

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15742-inhalant-abuse

https://psychiatryonline.org/doi/10.1176/appi.ajp-rj.2018.130203

https://www.psychdb.com/addictions/inhalant/1-use-disorder