Signs of Inhalant Addiction

“Inhalants” refer to multiple chemicals that, as the name suggests, users administer primarily via inhalation.  Unfortunately, because many of these are common household substances, acquisition of inhalants is easy for anyone including children and teens.  The 2007 National Survey on Drug Use and Health indicated that, among adolescents age 12 or 13, inhalants were the illicit substance most frequently used in the prior year (3.4% and 4.8%, respectively).  Historical data from this survey suggest that nearly 600,000 young people (age 12 to 17) are inhalant “initiates” (i.e., begin using for the first time) each year.  Inhalants fall into four categories: aerosols (e.g., sprays with propellants like computer cleaners, deodorants, hair spray, and paint), gases (e.g., whipped cream canisters, propane, and butane), nitrites (commonly marketed as “leather cleaner,” “video head cleaner,” “liquid aroma,” or “room odorizer”), and volatile solvents (e.g., glue, gasoline, correction liquids, paint thinners, marker fluid, and lighter fluid).  In 2007, the 3 most frequently used inhalants among adolescents 12 to 15 years old were toluene, shoe polish, or glue; spray paint; and lighter fluid or gas.  By contrast, older teens (16 to 17) preferred to use whipped cream canisters or nitrous oxide.  Listed below are some possible signs that your adolescent or young adult is abusing or addicted to inhalants.

• Odor – If the person’s breath or clothing smell of unusual chemicals, this is likely a sign of recent or chronic use.
• Disorientation – A person who has been using substances may be confused, dizzy, or otherwise disoriented; they may behave as if they are drunk including slurred or incomprehensible speech.
• Skin Damage – A chronic user may have sores near his or her mouth or nose.
• Nausea – Frequent use of inhalants can cause nausea, poor appetite, and, as a result, weight loss.
• Rags – People who are addicted to certain inhalants may saturate clothes with the fluid and hide them in different places of their home.
• “Pose” Near Nose – If an adolescent always holds a marker, pen, or other chemical-containing office supply near their nose while they work, they may be attempting to get high without hiding it from you.
• Smelling Sleeves – Some users hide substances in their sleeves or saturate the sleeves themselves to be able to obtain the high anywhere they go.
• Stains – Unexplainable paint or chemical stains on clothing or skin suggest inappropriate use of these substances.
• Missing Supplies – If you feel like you are running out of certain household items that fit the potential inhalant profile more frequently than usual, you may want to check your adolescent’s trash can and keep a closer eye on how your stock is decreasing so quickly.
• Mood and Cognitive Changes – An inhalant addict may be depressed and irritable with difficulty maintaining focus.

Even a single use of inhalants can be fatal. Individuals who abuse inhalants for an extended period may cause damage to internal organs including the liver, heart, kidneys, and brain; it can also lead to a loss of control over one’s muscles. For this reason, it is crucial to talk to your child and teen about inhalants and other substances, and to intervene as soon as possible if you suspect that your minor is addicted.