Basic FAQs on Inhalant Abuse

What is Inhalant Abuse?

A. Inhalant Abuse is the deliberate inhalation by “sniffing” or “huffing” fumes vapors, or gases from common household and commercial products for the purpose of “getting high.”

What kinds of products are abused by young people?

A. More than 1,400 common household and commercial products are used for the purpose of “getting high.”
A. Most products used as Inhalants are inexpensive, legal, and readily available in the home, garage, office, school, or in the local convenience store.
A. Products include: computer cleaner, air conditioning coolant, gasoline, felt tip markers, spray paint, air freshener, butane, cooking spray, paint, glue, and hundreds more.

For a more in depth look at products that are abused, click here.

What can happen to children who abuse inhalants?

A. Children can die anytime they abuse an Inhalant — including the first time — through Sudden Sniffing Death Syndrome, suffocation, choking, or a fatal injury.

A. Inhalant Abuse can damage the brain and other vital organs, such as the heart, kidneys and liver, causing brain damage or other severe physical impairments.

A. Inhalants can be addictive and children may progress to illegal drugs or alcohol abuse.