Inhalants

Inhalant

Household glue, gas and aerosol products can be inhaled (chroming) to create a brief, euphoric high, which can be extremely dangerous, as it can lead to serious harm, Sudden Sniffing Death Syndrome (where an irregular heartbeat can lead to cardiac arrest or heart failure) and suffocation.

Also known as:

  • Chroming
  • Dusting
  • Sniffing
  • Buzzing
  • Huffing

Inhalants (chroming) at a glance

What chroming is:

Chroming involves breathing in chemicals and solvents through the nose or mouth.

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How chroming can make you feel:

Excited, euphoric, relaxed, nauseous, confused, dizzy.

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How to reduce harm while chroming:

Some ways of using inhalants carry less risk than others.

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Signs of overdose and what to do:

If someone passes out and you can’t wake them up, put them in the recovery position and call 999.

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Withdrawal signs, symptoms, and what to do:

Cramps, irritability, headaches, nausea, stomach pains, and hallucinations.

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Share and save chroming information:

Print or download this page for later.

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What solvents does chroming involve?

Chroming involves breathing in solvents through the nose or mouth by:

  • Spraying into a plastic bag before being inhaled
  • Pouring into a bottle before being inhaled
  • Soaking onto a cloth or sleeve before being inhaled
  • Inhaling directly from a pressurised (spray) container (very dangerous)
  • Spraying directly into the mouth or nose (very dangerous)

Solvents can include:

  • Beauty products, like nail polish remover or hairspray
  • Aerosol deodorant
  • Butane gas lighter refills
  • Petrol/diesel 
  • Glue
  • Nitrates, including amyl nitrite (poppers) 
  • Gases, including nitrous oxide
  • Cleaning products
  • Paint thinner or spray paint
  • Permanent markers

Chroming can be extremely dangerous and potentially fatal.

The risk of serious harm, suffocation, and Sudden Sniffing Death Syndrome is increased if:

  • Chroming happens in an enclosed space
  • A plastic bag is used to cover the mouth and nose
  • A butane cigarette lighter refill is inhaled from directly
  • The solvent is sprayed directly into the mouth 
  • Some solvents, such as poppers, are swallowed

How long do the effects of chroming last?

Chroming can affect everyone differently and depends on several factors, including:

  • The type of solvent used and the dose
  • Whether other drugs are taken before or at the same time
  • Size, weight, age and health
  • Tolerance
  • The amount of fresh air breathed while chroming
  • Amount of physical activity before and after chroming 

Wait to see how it affects you before inhaling further.

How can chroming make me feel?

Different solvents can have different effects. They could make you feel:

  • Excited
  • Euphoric
  • Relaxed
  • Nauseous
  • Confused
  • Dizzy

Chroming can also cause: 

  • Lack of coordination
  • Irritation to the eyes/nose or throat, including possible sores
  • Headaches
  • An increased chance of risk-taking 

What are the long-term effects of inhaling glues, gases and aerosols? 


Long-term effects of inhaling solvents on a regular basis include:

  • Damage to the liver, kidney and brain 
  • Muscle damage
  • Memory loss and an inability to concentrate
  • Irritability 
  • Tremors 
  • Loss of smell and taste
  • Increased risk of depression, anxiety disorders and challenges with other drugs 

How to reduce harm while chroming

We recognise that some ways of using drugs carry less risk than others, and by providing information which supports people to make informed decisions, we can help people to minimise harm.

Before you start, check:

  • Is now the right time? How you’re feeling when you use can impact the effects you may experience, so consider checking in with yourself and thinking about whether now is a good time for you.

  • Do I know what I’m taking? Researching what you’re planning to take, what the effects can be and how to reduce harm can help to keep you safe. 

  • Have I contacted a friend or family member? In case you need help while you’re chroming, consider telling someone your plans.

While you're using:

Start low, go slow

Inhaling too much can result in coma or death, so start with a small amount and wait before you use again.

Try not to use on your own

It's best not to use if you’re on your own or if you’re in a position where there is nobody you could call for help. A buddy system - where one person inhales and waits until the peak effects have worn off before the other person uses - makes it more likely that someone can help if someone needs it.

Try not to mix

Taking drugs or drinking alcohol while chroming can increase your risk of harm.

Avoid physical activity after use

Completing physical activity after chroming can increase the risk of heart attacks and serious harm.

Keep the area well-ventilated

Use in well-ventilated spaces which are away from potentially dangerous areas like roads, rooftops, or rivers. Solvents are also extremely flammable when inhaled and exhaled, so it’s safest to keep them away from naked flames (including cigarettes).

The recovery position

The recovery position helps to prevent someone unconscious from choking on vomit. If someone is unconscious, putting them in the recovery position, getting help if needed, and staying with them will help to reduce the risk of harm.

After chroming:

  • Looking after and being kind to yourself is important - get plenty of sleep and rest, and try to avoid taking any other drugs to give your body time to recover

  • Refuelling will help your recovery - this includes drinking plenty of water and eating something nutritious which is soft on your stomach and not too rich

  • If you think you may be at risk of blood-borne viruses (BBVs) like Hep B, Hep C and HIV, you can access free testing from any drug and alcohol service, your GP, or a sexual health centre. You can catch a BBV even if you don’t inject a drug - through unprotected sex or sharing equipment

And always remember - if you’re feeling low and feel you can’t talk to a friend or family member, contact us for help through our webchat or find your local service.

What do I do if I think someone has overdosed?

If someone passes out or falls asleep and you can’t wake them up after chroming, put them in the recovery position and get help fast by calling 999, telling emergency services what you know.

Symptoms of overdose include:

  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhoea
  • Nausea 
  • Chest pain
  • Passing out
  • Seizures
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Hallucinations
  • Blackouts, seizures and comas

Withdrawal signs, symptoms, and what to do

If your body develops a tolerance, you may feel you need to take more to get the same effects. 

If you are regularly chroming, suddenly stopping can be challenging because the body has to get used to being without them. Withdrawal symptoms usually start 24-48 hours after the last use, and can last for two to five days.

Withdrawal symptoms include:

  • Cramps
  • Irritability
  • Headaches
  • Nausea
  • Stomach pains
  • Hallucinations 

We can help you cut down safely.

Find a local service

Looking for support?

If you’re concerned about your chroming use, or if you’re worried about someone you know, we’re WithYou. We provide free, confidential and non-judgemental support and advice. Please don’t hesitate to reach out: