Skip to content.
Only the strong survive. DUI - Stop Yourself. Stop a Friend.
 
 

Short and Long Term Effects

Inhaling these chemicals produces feelings similar to drinking too much alcohol. Some of the chemicals also produce hallucinations.

Driving

Imagine having these effects while driving. Sniffing substances like solvents or glue vapors is a serious health hazard and can make you drive recklessly. The danger is increased when you use inhalants with other depressants, such as alcohol.

Even first-time users run the risk of sudden sniffing death syndrome (SSDS) from inhalants. Here are more dangerous effects of inhalants:

Short-Term Effects

  • Slurred speech
  • Clumsy movement
  • Dizziness
  • Lightheadedness
  • Hallucinations
  • Delusions
  • Sleepiness
  • Headache
  • Increase heart rate
  • Intoxication
  • Heart failure

Long-Term Effects

  • Death
  • Rapid and irregular heart rhythms
  • Heart failure
  • Asphyxiation
  • Suffocation
  • Choking
  • Long-lasting damage to the nervous system and organs
  • Permanent damage to the brain, heart, lungs, liver, and kidneys
  • Hearing loss caused by use of toluene (spray paints, glues, dewaxers) and trichloroethylene (dry-cleaning chemicals, correction fluids)
  • Limb spasms are caused by use of hexane (glues, gasoline) and nitrous oxide (whipped cream dispensers, gas cylinders)
  • Central nervous system or brain damage from toluene (spray paints, glues, dewaxers)
  • Bone marrow damage is caused by benzene (gasoline)
  • Blood oxygen depletion is caused by aliphatic nitrites (known on the street as poppers, bold, and rush) and methylene chloride (varnish removers, paint thinners)