Some substances that can lead to addiction come in forms you may not expect. Inhalants are one such substance. Examples of inhalants include drugs with names such as “galaxy gas” and “whippets.” If you are living with an addiction to an inhalant, a substance abuse treatment program can offer the support you need to break free of it.
Inhaling these substances can cause dangerous long-term health effects. It’s important to understand which substances count as inhalants and what they mean for your well-being. Learn more about inhalants and how you can start your recovery journey today by calling Promises at 844.875.5609.
What Are Inhalants?
Inhalants are chemicals that create fumes. When the fumes are inhaled, the brain quickly absorbs them and produces a feeling of being “high.”
Many substances can be inhaled, such as cocaine in powder form, but the term “inhalant” refers specifically to substances that can only be ingested by inhaling. “Bagging,” “dusting,” and “huffing” are other common terms for the practice.
Individuals may sniff or snort fumes from these inhalants, or spray aerosol products directly into their mouths or noses. Substances can be placed inside a balloon or paper bag and be inhaled. Placing a liquid substance on a cloth and inhaling the vapors that way is also a practice.
Sniffing or breathing items found around the home may not seem that dangerous, but the chemicals in inhalants can come with significant side effects, some of which may be long-lasting or even permanent.
Whippets and Other Common Types of Inhalants
Inhalants can come from a number of sources, from paint thinners to medical anesthetics. The general types of inhalants include:
- Volatile solvents like paint thinners, gasoline, glue, and nail polish remover
- Aerosols like hair spray, vegetable oil spray, and spray paint
- Nitrites found in room deodorizers, liquid aromas, and leather cleaners
- Gases from medical anesthetics and some household commercial products
Any inhalant can come with dangerous side effects if misused, regardless of the source. For example, nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, is present in whipped cream dispensers. It’s also available in propellant canisters known as whippets.
When used under the direction of a medical professional, nitrous oxide helps temporarily relieve anxiety related to medical procedures. Misuse of the substance, though, can cause serious health issues.
Galaxy Gas is a specific brand of nitrous oxide product made for culinary use. However, if no food ingredient, such as cream, is placed in the canister, the charger emits pure nitrous oxide.
Household chemicals are one of the most common sources of inhalants. Because many inhalants are household chemicals, they tend to be inexpensive and easy to obtain. This ease of access can build the foundation of a substance use disorder.
Alternative Names for Inhalants
If you’re concerned someone you know is misusing inhalants, recognizing the common names for these substances can be helpful. Some of the most frequently used names include:
- Poppers
- Huff
- Gas
- Chroming
- Snappers
- Sniff
- Rush
- Glue
- Whippets
If you hear a young person using these terms in conversations with their peers, it could be a warning sign that they are experimenting with inhalants.
Begin Substance Abuse Treatment for Inhalant Addiction at Promises Today
Inhalants are toxic vapors found in many household products. Examples of inhalants that are easy to access include hair spray, whipped cream dispensers, and some cleaners. Teenagers and adolescents may be more likely than other age groups to try inhalants, but anyone can become addicted to them. If you or someone you know is living with an addiction to inhalants, help is available.
Promises offers personalized, evidence-based substance use disorder treatment programs for all types of addictions, including inhalants. Call Promises at 844.875.5609 or complete our online contact form to learn more about our comprehensive range of services today.