Inhalants are commonly found household products that, when inhaled will cause a mind altering effect. These include nail polish remover, glue, household cleaning products etc.
Most of these products act as depressants by slowing down brain activity such that the person is less alert and unable to react quickly in a dangerous situation.
Inhalants can be categorized into four types, namely:
What is Inhalant Abuse?
Inhalant abuse occurs when these products are used for reasons such as relaxation and excitement, other than their intended use.
What are the Effects of Inhalant Abuse?
As depressants, inhalant abuse causes drowsiness, impaired judgment, confusion, delirium, and can even lead to lost of consciousness.
Sniffing of highly concentrated inhalants for long periods may cause irregular heartbeat that lead to heart failure and deaths within minutes. This syndrome is often known as the Sudden Sniffing Death (SSD).
Common long-term effects of inhalant use include: