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Sniffing (inhalants)
5-minute read
If you are worried a person is having serious effects from sniffing or has overdosed, call triple zero (000) and ask for an ambulance.
Key facts
- Inhalants are chemical substances that release fumes at room temperature.
- Some people breathe in or ‘sniff’ some types of these substances to feel a ‘high’.
- There is no safe level of inhalant use — any level of drug use, including ‘sniffing’ carries risks.
- If someone overdoses on inhalants, they may experience an irregular heartbeat, chest pain and unconsciousness.
- Sniffing carries long-term risks including memory problems, mood changes and brain damage.
What are inhalants?
Inhalants are chemical substances that release fumes at regular room temperature. Some people breathe in or ‘sniff’ some types of these substances to feel a ‘high’. This type of drug use is sometimes known as ‘sniffing’, ‘chroming’ or ‘huffing’.
Inhalants include common industrial, medicinal and household products. These include solvents and other substances that evaporate easily.
Substances that are commonly sniffed include:
- glue
- petrol
- paint
Is sniffing ever safe?
There is no safe level of inhalant use. If you sniff inhalants while using other drugs and medicines, the effects can be especially unpredictable and dangerous.
Driving under the influence of inhalants
It is not safe to drive while using any drug including inhalants. This is because they can affect your vision, coordination and reaction times. Anyone who kills or injures another person while driving under the influence of inhalants can be sentenced to a term in prison.
What are the symptoms of inhalant withdrawal?
Giving up inhalant use can be difficult, because sometimes people experience withdrawal symptoms.
Withdrawal symptoms may include:
- headache
- nausea
- dizziness
- drowsiness
- tremors
- hallucinations (seeing things that aren’t there)
These symptoms may start within 1 or 2 days of stopping using inhalants and may continue for up to 5 days.
What are the symptoms of an inhalant overdose?
If you are worried a person is having serious effects from sniffing or has overdosed, call triple zero (000) and ask for an ambulance.
Symptoms of an overdose can include:
- irregular heartbeat
- chest pain
- nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea
- hallucinations (seeing things that aren’t there)
- coma, blackout or seizure
What are the long-term effects of sniffing?
Sniffing carries long-term risks, including:
- a skin rash around the mouth
- tremors
- loss of your sense of taste and smell
- reduced memory and concentration
- mood changes
- brain damage
- kidney or liver damage
Depending on the substance used, some of these effects may be permanent.
Resources and support
The Alcohol and Drug Foundation has more information about inhalants. You can also call their drug information and advice line on 1300 85 85 84 for advice and support.
If you are concerned about your own or someone else’s’ drug use, the Alcohol and Drug Foundation Path2Help can help you find local resources to help.
Young people can contact Headspace on 1800 650 890 for help. Qualified youth counsellors offer a range of support for young people who are worried about their drug and alcohol use, mental or physical wellbeing. Find a map of centres offering these services.
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