Inhalant users tend to be people who are bored or do not have access to other drugs or alcohol. The most serious inhalant abuse occurs among children and teens. The effects of inhaling solvents or gases can cause hypoxia, pneumonia, cardiac failure or arrest, or aspiration of vomit or even death. The inhaling of some solvents can cause hearing loss, limb spasms, and damage to the central nervous system and brain.

Inhalants produce an effect that may be similar to alcohol intoxication. Initial symptoms described by abusers who were "huffing" include:

• drowsiness,
• lightheadedness, and
• loss of inhibition.

 Further use can lead to the following:

• dizziness,
• hallucinations or delusions,
• belligerence,
• apathy, and
• impaired judgment.

Long-term inhalant abusers can suffer damaging health consequences including:

• depression and mood changes,
• weight loss,
• inattentiveness,
• lack of coordination,
• irritability, and
• weakness.

Signs of Abuse

Parents of teens need to be especially vigilant about signs of inhalant abuse (huffing), since the abused substances are simple household items and not readily identifiable as drugs of abuse. These substances are also easily purchased and inexpensive, making them attractive to curious teens. In addition to signs of intoxication, parents should be warned of potential inhalant abuse by sores and scratches around the mouth area along with the presence of unusual odors.