JUST THE FACTS

Solvents and Inhalants

Q: What are Solvents/Inhalants?

A: There are many different types of solvents and a lot of them are found in everyday life. These include gasoline, felt markers, some cleaning products, nail polish remover, Liquid Paper, air fresheners, some types of glue, cooking sprays and paint thinner.

Q: What do Solvents/Inhalants do to the body?

A: Because they are inhaled, solvents/inhalants hit the lungs first. From there, they go into the bloodstream and travel to the brain and other organs. The kidneys break down some solvents but many leave the body without changing when we breathe out. This means that the breath of people who sniff them can smell like solvents for hours.

One of the first things felt by people is a strong but short lasting high. At the same time, they feel dizzy and numb. That is followed by weakness, loss of coordination, slow reflexes, poor judgment, blurred vision and ringing in the ears. Solvents can also cause headaches, sneezing and coughing, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.  Solvents slow down breathing and can make users pass out.

Solvents can cause permanent damage to the liver, kidneys, lungs and heart. There is evidence that solvents can also cause brain damage. The effects are not limited to the body; solvents can produce mood swings and depression.

Q: Can solvents/inhalants be fatal?

A: Yes, an overdose of solvents has caused many deaths. There is also something known as “sudden sniffing death” that can happen while using solvents. Solvents interfere with the way the heart works and if somebody who is high on solvents is startled or does something physically strenuous like run around, it can cause a heart attack. Solvents are often inhaled out of a plastic bag and there is a danger that a user will suffocate after passing out with the bag over their nose or mouth.

Solvents can also produce a feeling of being incredibly powerful. This feeling can cause users to do some bizarre things like walking into traffic or jumping off balconies. It is also extremely dangerous to smoke while using solvents/inhalants because they are highly flammable and the risk of fire is high.

Q: Are solvents/inhalants addictive?

A: Yes, heavy users become dependent on solvents/inhalants making it very difficult to quit. Also, just as with alcohol, users can develop a tolerance meaning they need to inhale a lot of solvents/inhalants to produce the same effects as they used to get from a smaller amount. Heavy users can experience withdrawal after quitting. Their bodies have made changes because of the frequent use of solvents and when they quit inhaling, heavy users can experience depression, aggression, restlessness and a lack of energy.

Q: What is methyl alcohol?

A: Methyl alcohol is a solvent that is also a very dangerous poison. It is sometimes called wood alcohol and is used in paint remover, cleaning solvents, antifreeze and liquid fuels like gasoline, propane and kerosene. It is a powerful poison and drinking an ounce or less of it can cause blindness, nerve damage, coma and convulsions. It can also lead to death because it is capable of paralyzing breathing.

© Watari Youth Day Treatment Program

Adapted from 2001-2002 AADAC – Alberta Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission, corp.aadac.com

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