“Huffing,” or inhaling everyday substances to create a high, is a lesser-known form of drug abuse. Inhaling these substances can create hallucinations and feelings of euphoria, but it can also have dire health consequences. Knowing the different types of inhalants that are abused is the first step in tackling this health threat.
When you hear the term “huffing,” what comes to mind? Perhaps you associate it with a particular form of drug abuse, or maybe you’ve never heard the term at all. For many, the word “huffing” evokes a sense of mystery and confusion, primarily because it’s a lesser-known form of substance abuse.
Huffing refers to the practice of inhaling volatile substances to achieve a mind-altering state. It’s also known as “sniffing,” “dusting,” or “bagging.”
Huffing can be done with everyday household products like glue, nail polish remover, cleaning fluids, and aerosol sprays, making the practice alarmingly accessible, especially to young people.
Despite its relative obscurity, huffing poses a significant threat to your health and safety.
Types of Inhalants Abused
Inhalants are often categorized into four main types: solvents, aerosols, gasses, and nitrites. Each type affects the body differently and carries its own set of risks.
- Solvents are liquids that vaporize at room temperature. These include paint thinners and removers, dry-cleaning fluids, gasoline, and glue. These substances can be found in most households, making them a popular choice for those looking to experiment with inhalants.
- Aerosols are sprays that contain propellants and solvents. Commonly abused aerosols include spray paint, deodorants and hair sprays, vegetable oil sprays, and fabric protector sprays. These substances are often inhaled directly from the container, a practice known as “sniffing” or “snorting.”
- Gasses used as inhalants can be found in a variety of household or commercial products including butane lighters, propane tanks, whipped cream dispensers, and refrigerants. They can be inhaled directly or collected in a bag or balloon before being inhaled, a method known as “bagging.”
- Nitrites, often referred to as “poppers” or “snappers,” are a special class of inhalants. They act directly on the central nervous system and are often used for their sexual-enhancing effects. Nitrites can be found in products like room deodorizers, leather cleaners, and video head cleaners.
How Inhalants Are Abused
Now that you know the types of inhalants commonly abused, let’s talk about how these substances are misused. Here’s a breakdown of the methods used to inhale these substances (often dictated by the type of inhalant).
- Sniffing or Snorting involves inhaling the substance directly from its container. This method is commonly used with solvents and aerosols. The user places the substance close to their nose and inhales deeply, allowing the vapors to enter their lungs.
- Huffing involves soaking a rag or cloth in the substance and then placing it over the mouth and nose. The user then breathes in the vapors. Huffing is also commonly used with solvents and aerosols.
- Bagging involves inhaling gas or the fumes from a substance that is sprayed or deposited inside a bag or balloon. This method is particularly dangerous, as it can lead to suffocation.
Regardless of the method used, the goal remains the same: to achieve a high. Unfortunately, this pursuit of a fleeting high comes with a slew of health risks and dangers.
Initial Effects of Huffing
When a person huffs, the substances quickly enter the bloodstream through the lungs, rapidly reaching the brain. This rapid onset of effect is part of the appeal for users. But what exactly happens in those early moments after inhalation?
It depends on the substance abused, the amount inhaled, and the individual’s overall health. In general, users may experience an initial euphoria or a high similar to alcohol intoxication.
This can include:
- Lightheadedness
- Hallucinations
- Delusions
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Loss of coordination
Despite some of these seemingly pleasurable effects, huffing can also have immediate, dangerous consequences. These might include suffocation, seizures, or even sudden sniffing death syndrome (SSDS)—a fatal heart failure that can occur even after a single session of huffing.
Long-Term Health Effects of Huffing
In addition to the immediate effects of huffing, huffing can also cause long-term health effects.
Central Nervous System
The initial side effects of huffing are distressing enough, but the long-term effects can cause irreparable damage. Chronic huffing can lead to severe and irreversible harm to the central nervous system (CNS).
The CNS, comprising the brain and spinal cord, is the body’s information highway. When this system is damaged, it can be devastating to a person’s everyday life.
Repeated inhalant abuse can lead to a decline in cognitive abilities, including memory loss, difficulty concentrating, and reduced problem-solving abilities. This cognitive decline can affect a person’s ability to perform everyday tasks and impact their professional and personal life significantly.
Further, huffing can lead to severe damage to the brain and nerves. These conditions can result in a host of issues, including:
- Movement disorders
- Difficulty speaking
- Hearing loss
- Permanent loss of basic physical functions
The damage inflicted on the CNS by chronic huffing is often irreversible, underscoring the devastating nature of this form of substance abuse.
Cardiovascular System
Aside from its impact on the central nervous system, huffing can also wreak havoc on the cardiovascular system. The cardiovascular system, which includes the heart and blood vessels, is responsible for circulating blood throughout the body. This ensures all your body’s cells receive the oxygen and nutrients they need to function correctly.
One of the most serious and common huffing-related cardiovascular side effects is arrhythmia, a condition characterized by irregular heartbeats. In severe cases, an arrhythmia can even lead to a stroke or sudden cardiac arrest and even death.
Huffing has also been reported to cause myocarditis, or inflammation of your heart, and even lead to heart failure.
Other Effects
Beyond the central nervous system and cardiovascular system, chronic huffing is responsible for numerous other health problems. One of the most alarming is damage to the liver and kidneys.
Respiratory problems are also common among chronic huffers. These issues can range from chronic bronchitis to emphysema, a condition that causes shortness of breath and can result in heart failure.
Additionally, chronic huffers may also experience:
- Weight loss
- Muscle weakness
- Decrease in immune function, leaving them more susceptible to infections and diseases
Are You Struggling With Huffing?
Despite being less known, huffing is a significant public health concern that deserves our attention and action.
If you or someone you know is struggling with huffing, it’s crucial to seek help. Numerous resources and treatment options are available, and recovery is entirely possible. Contact Zinnia Health 24/7 at (855) 430-9439.
Conclusion
Huffing is a dangerous and potentially deadly form of substance abuse that has severe short- and long-term effects. Its impact on the central nervous system, cardiovascular system, and other vital organs can lead to irreversible damage and potentially fatal outcomes.
Author: Vanessa Zeilinger, PharmD, BCPS, CPE, AAHIVP. Vanessais a board-certified, residency-trained pharmacist with experience across multiple healthcare settings.