What it is

Inhalants are substances produced from organic chemicals. There are several types of inhalants including nitrates, volatile substances, fuels and aerosols/gases.

Inhalants have a volatile nature which when vaporised and inhaled can cause intoxication or a "high".

Inhalants are a depressant. This means that they slow down brain functions and the activity of the central nervous system, affecting physical, mental, and emotional responses.

Children and teenagers are the most common groups who use inhalants for recreational purposes. Users are defined within four categories:

• The experimenter: Usually children and teenagers fall into this category. Experimentation does not usually exceed a few episodes, and is motivated by curiosity and a desire to imitate peer behaviour.
• The social /situational user: These are generally children and teenagers who, after experimentation, continue to use inhalants in a recreational and social environment, usually with a group of friends. It is common for social use to end by mid adolescence as other interests develop. This can include a move towards alcohol and tobacco.
• The problematic user: This user relies on inhalants as a daily activity and allows it to take priority over other important activities. Indicators for this stage include behavioural changes including hassles with friends or families, health problems, the inability to handle common situations, and changing feelings. Help should be sought at this stage.
• The chronic user: A very small number of those who have used inhalants make up this category. It occurs when the user is using increasing doses to achieve the desired effects. It is common for chronic users to use inhalants alone. Indicators of chronic users include behavioural problems and instability, especially within their home environment.

Slang
Glue, Gas, Sniff, Huff, Chroming, Poppers, Fuels, Aerosols, Solvents, Nitrates