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.
Chroming involves breathing in chemicals and solvents through the nose or mouth.
Read moreSome ways of using inhalants carry less risk than others.
Read moreIf someone passes out and you can’t wake them up, put them in the recovery position and call 999.
Read moreCramps, irritability, headaches, nausea, stomach pains, and hallucinations.
Read moreChroming involves breathing in solvents through the nose or mouth by:
Solvents can include:
Chroming can be extremely dangerous and potentially fatal.
The risk of serious harm, suffocation, and Sudden Sniffing Death Syndrome is increased if:
Chroming can affect everyone differently and depends on several factors, including:
Wait to see how it affects you before inhaling further.
Different solvents can have different effects. They could make you feel:
Chroming can also cause:
Long-term effects of inhaling solvents on a regular basis include:
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.
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.
Inhaling too much can result in coma or death, so start with a small amount and wait before you use again.
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.
Taking drugs or drinking alcohol while chroming can increase your risk of harm.
Completing physical activity after chroming can increase the risk of heart attacks and serious harm.
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 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.
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
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.
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.
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.
We can help you cut down safely.
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:
