Inhalant Intoxication

Inhalant intoxication can cause several cognitive and physiological symptoms. Cognitive symptoms from inhaling chemicals may include:

• Feelings of euphoria¹
• Lack of inhibition
• Disorientation
• Paranoia
• Irritability and confusion 

Physiological symptoms can include:

• Stumbling, unsteady gait
• Hyporeflexia (depressed reflexes)
• Clumsiness, lack of coordination
• Muscle weakness
• Tremors
• Nystagmus (rapid uncontrolled movement of the eyes)
• Dizziness
• Lethargy
• Slurred speech
• Nosebleeds or runny nose
• In rare cases, seizures, coma, or even death due to heart arrhythmia

There are also some signs to look for that may indicate that an individual is abusing chemical inhalants. You may notice: 

• Excessive behavior changes, a lack of interest in life
• A chemical odor on clothes or on the breath
• An unexplained decline in school performance
• Mouth and nose ulcers, irritation 
• Stained fingers, hands, or clothing
• Decrease in appetite, weight loss

To meet the criteria for inhalant intoxication, the individual must have recently been exposed (intended or unintended) to a high dose of volatile hydrocarbon inhalant like gasoline. This exposure must cause one of the behavioral or psychological changes on the symptoms list, and may not be better explained by another mental health condition or by intoxication by another substance. 

The cause of inhalant intoxication is the exposure to chemical inhalants. This may be intentional or unintentional.

Some individuals may be exposed through unintentional actions such as sealing or painting an area with little or no ventilation. Others may purposely “huff” (sniff through the nose or inhale through the mouth) paint or paint thinners to achieve a high.

Risk factors

Some individuals are more likely to misuse chemical inhalants intentionally. These include:

• Males (especially adolescent males)
• Those with a history of physical or sexual abuse
• People with lower incomes
• People with other mental health conditions
• Those who live in rural communities
• Individuals with antisocial attitudes
• People with a history of drug use
• Those with high levels of family conflict or violence

Treatment for inhalant intoxication includes emergency interventions for life-threatening reactions. This can include treatment of seizures or restarting the heart. There is no specific protocol for reversing the effects of inhalant intoxication. However, if a person exhibits harmful behaviors, they may be observed and kept safe until they return to a normal state of mind. Observation may help if they experience inhalant withdrawal symptoms, too.

Other treatment options for inhalant intoxication

Support groups can also be an integral tool for treating people who use chemical inhalants. These are available in the form of 12-step programs or social engagement groups for teens who struggle with substance use. Social engagement groups offer activities like hiking, dancing, and movie nights to keep adolescents connected with others who aren’t users and to help create new hobbies and interests. 

For people who are trying to avoid using chemical substances, building healthy lifestyle habits can be a solid support for staying sober. A therapist or support group may encourage some of the following:

• Maintain a healthy and active social life that does not include substance use
• Avoid friends or situations that were connected to using chemical inhalants
• Actively seek new hobbies or interests 
• Get physically active (this can help with mood control and decrease stress)
• Learn and implement relaxation techniques 

Therapy can be an effective way to address any challenges that can get in the way of quitting chemical inhalants, as well as build a toolbox of techniques to avoid relapse. There may be several underlying causes that contribute to a substance use disorder,² including untreated trauma, excessive stress, low self-esteem, or feelings of depression. Therapy can offer solutions to managing these thoughts and feelings. 

Specialization in therapy can be challenging to find for people in some geographical regions, which is why online therapy has taken off in recent years. Online therapy allows anyone with an internet connection to meet with a therapist who can meet their specific needs. Online therapy platforms like BetterHelp use a simple online questionnaire to match you to a licensed therapist and then allow you to meet with that therapist over video conferencing, texting, or phone. 

Some other resources that are available to help address inhalant intoxication or inhalant dependence include:

• The National Inhalant Prevention Coalition
• Substance Abuse And Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
• FamilyDoctor.org (a resource of the American Academy of Family Physicians)

For help with substance use (formerly called substance abuse), contact SAMHSA’s National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).

For those experiencing abuse, contact the Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233). Support is available 24/7. Please also see our Get Help Now page for more immediate resources.

A research report stated that from a survey of 26,000 people (12 and older) in Australia, inhalant use at a young age showed a significant number of these same people initiating cigarette, alcohol, and other drug use at younger ages. Inhalant users also showed a higher lifetime prevalence of substance use disorders when compared to those who never used inhalants.

Behavior associated with inhalant intoxication

Another study found that observing a sample of inhalant users, high-risk behavior and adverse outcomes were found to occur frequently in adolescents during inhalant intoxication. These behaviors included physical violence and unprotected sex and were far more common in high-frequency users of chemical inhalants than low-frequency users. 

A literature review from 2011 reports that more than 22 million people aged 12 and older have tried chemical inhalants, with more than three-quarters of a million people per year becoming regular users. Researchers concluded that despite its common use and documented short-term and long-term adverse effects, there have not been enough studies on inhalant use and addiction and recommend further studies to expand resources.  

Here are some key statistics on inhalant intoxication:

• A survey from 2022 reported that inhalants are most commonly used by 8th graders, with use tapering off in higher grades. 3.6% of 8th graders reported use, 2.4% of 10th graders, and 1.8% of 12th graders.
• A 2021 survey reported that 0.1% of those 12 and older (around 335,000 people) had an inhalant use disorder³ in the past 12 months. 
• SAMHSA identified felt tip pens and magic markers as the most commonly used inhalants by adolescents in 2015. 
• The Office of Justice presented the results of a study that showed most substance use treatment programs were effective at helping adolescents recover from substance use disorders by using a combination of CBT, motivational enhancement therapy, and family therapy.