Inhalation of volatile industrial solvents and solvents from aerosol sprays can cause a state of intoxication. Chronic use can result in neuropathies and hepatotoxicity.
Use of volatile solvents (eg, acetates, alcohol, chloroform, ether, aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons, chlorinated hydrocarbons, ketones) continues to be an endemic problem among adolescents. Common commercial products (eg, glues and adhesives, paints, paint strippers, cleaning fluids) contain these substances; thus, children and adolescents can easily obtain them. About 10% of adolescents in the US have reportedly inhaled volatile solvents. Typically, a solvent-soaked rag is placed in a bag or container that is held to the mouth and nose; the naturally volatilized vapors are then inhaled (huffing, sniffing).
Volatile solvents temporarily stimulate the central nervous system before depressing it. Partial tolerance and psychologic dependence develop with frequent use, but a withdrawal syndrome does not occur. Some volatile solvents may contain methanol (carburetor cleaning sprays); clinicians should identify the contents of the solvent whenever possible.
Symptoms and Signs of Volatile Solvent Use
Acute effects
Acute symptoms of dizziness, drowsiness, slurred speech, and unsteady gait occur early. Impulsiveness, excitement, and irritability may occur. As effects on the central nervous system increase, illusions, hallucinations, and delusions develop. Users experience a euphoric, dreamy high, culminating in a short period of sleep. Delirium with confusion, psychomotor clumsiness, emotional lability, and impaired thinking develop. The intoxicated state may last from minutes to > 1 hour.
Sudden death can result from respiratory arrest or airway occlusion due to central nervous system depression or arrhythmias ("sudden sniffing death," perhaps due to myocardial sensitization).
One chlorinated hydrocarbon, methylene chloride (dichloromethane), is metabolized to carbon monoxide and inhalation of this product can cause delayed onset of symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning; symptoms may persist for a prolonged period.
Methanol, a solvent that can be inhaled, may cause metabolic acidosis and retinal injury.
Chronic effects
Chronic inhalation of volatile hydrocarbons may irritate the skin around the mouth and nose (huffer's eczema).
Complications of chronic use may result from the effect of the solvent or from other toxic ingredients (eg, lead in gasoline). Carbon tetrachloride may cause a syndrome of hepatic and renal failure. Toluene may cause degeneration of central nervous system white matter, renal tubular acidosis, and hypokalemia. Injuries to brain, peripheral nerves, liver, kidneys, and bone marrow may result from heavy exposure or hypersensitivity.
Inhalant abuse during pregnancy can cause premature birth and fetal solvent syndrome, which has features similar to those of fetal alcohol syndrome.
Diagnosis of Volatile Solvent Use
Usually a clinical diagnosis
Volatile solvents are not detected by routine drug screens. Many of them and their metabolites can be detected by gas chromatography at specialized laboratories, but such testing is rarely necessary or indicated except for forensic purposes.
Treatment of Volatile Solvent Use
Supportive care
Treatment of solvent-dependent adolescents is difficult, and relapse is frequent. However, most users stop solvent use by the end of adolescence. Intensive attempts to broadly improve patients’ social skills and status in family, school, and society may help. For symptoms and treatment of poisoning with specific solvents, see table Symptoms and Treatment of Specific Poisons.
More Information
The following English-language resource may be useful. Please note that THE MANUAL is not responsible for the content of this resource.
Findtreatment.gov: Listing of licensed US providers of treatment for substance use disorders.
