Inhalant abuse (glues, gases and aerosols): effects, risks and getting help

Inhalants, also called volatile substances, are a wide range of glues, gases, solvents and aerosols that people breathe in to get high. FRANK, the UK drugs information service, lists many normal household items among them: butane gas lighter refills, aerosols containing hairspray, deodorants and air fresheners, tins or tubes of glue, some paints, thinners and correcting fluids, cleaning fluids, surgical spirit and petrol.

FRANK says the substances are breathed in or inhaled from something acting as a container or holder. There are several ways of doing so, and all are potentially fatal. The terms used for the behaviour include solvent abuse, volatile substance abuse, glue sniffing, huffing and chroming.

FRANK explains that these products contain volatile substances which are depressants. That means they slow down the brain and body's responses and produce an effect similar to being drunk. Common effects include dizziness, dreaminess, fits of the giggles and difficulty thinking straight, followed afterwards by a hangover with a severe headache, tiredness and low mood.

It lists effects on behaviour including mood swings, aggressive behaviour, hallucinations, vomiting and blackouts. For butane, the effects can last up to 30 minutes, and some users repeat the dose to keep the feeling going.

Because intoxication seriously affects judgement, FRANK warns that there is a real danger of trying something dangerous when high. Unsteadiness, disorientation and fainting can contribute to accidents, which are implicated in a number of the deaths.

FRANK lists a series of immediate dangers. Inhaling these substances can cause confusion, slurred speech, mood swings, aggressive behaviour, hallucinations, vomiting, blackouts and breathing difficulties, and can cause the heart to go out of rhythm. Squirting gas products down the throat is described as a particularly dangerous way of taking the drug, because it can make the throat swell so you cannot breathe and can slow the heart and cause a heart attack.

Some users die from passing out and choking on their own vomit, and there is a risk of suffocation if inhaling from a plastic bag over the head. The risk is greater in an enclosed space or if a plastic bag covers the nose and mouth, and it is also increased when inhaling directly from a butane cigarette lighter refill. A little too much can result in a coma or even death, and the first time of use can be fatal.

Many products are flammable and there is a risk of burns and explosions, especially if someone is smoking nearby or in an enclosed space. Long-term solvent use can damage the muscles, liver and kidneys, and very long-term use, such as 10 years or more, can cause lasting impairment of brain function, particularly affecting how the brain controls body movement. In some cases a red rash can develop around the mouth.

• Sudden heart rhythm problems, which can lead to heart attack.

• Suffocation, choking on vomit, coma.

• Accidents because of unsteadiness, confusion or fainting.

• Burns and explosions from flammable products.

• Damage to muscles, liver and kidneys with long-term use.

• Lasting effects on brain function with very long-term use.

FRANK says tolerance can build up within a few weeks in regular users, so more is needed for the same effect, and that this returns to normal within a few days of stopping. It may be possible to become psychologically dependent, meaning an increased desire to keep using despite harms, although it says the evidence on this is limited.

Withdrawal symptoms have been reported in regular users, who experience anxiety, irritability and headaches when they stop. People who are worried about their own use, or that of a child, can ask a GP or a drug and alcohol service for help without fear of judgement.

FRANK says some volatile substances are covered by the 2016 Psychoactive Substances Act, which makes it illegal to give away or sell them. There is no penalty for possession unless you are in prison. Supply and production can lead to up to 7 years in prison, an unlimited fine or both.

Driving while high is dangerous and illegal, and can result in a heavy fine, driving ban or prison sentence.

If someone has collapsed, is unconscious or is struggling to breathe after inhaling a substance, call 999. Do not leave them alone, and avoid frightening or chasing someone who is intoxicated, since sudden exertion or alarm can be dangerous. FRANK points out that the harm can occur on any occasion.

For support, FRANK offers information and advice, and it names Re-Solv, a UK charity supporting people around solvent, gas and aerosol use. Re-Solv describes itself as the expert charity working across the UK to end solvent abuse and support everyone affected by it, founded in 1984, and says it uses the phrase gas and solvent use in its own support and training work because the word abuse is no longer used in most substance use settings. A GP can discuss physical and mental health effects and refer to local drug and alcohol services.

Treatment and support for substance use are available through the NHS and local authority commissioned drug and alcohol services, normally free and confidential. A GP can refer to these services, and school nurses and youth services can help young people.

Private addiction treatment exists, mostly for alcohol and other drugs, but specialist support for inhalant use is limited, so it is worth asking any provider what experience they have with volatile substances.