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What are the signs and symptoms of inhalant use?
When inhalants are breathed, they cause symptoms similar to those of drinking alcohol. These may include slurred speech, lack of coordination, and dizziness. A person can become lightheaded and may have hallucinations and delusions. The effects last only a few minutes. After heavy use of an inhalant, a person may have a headache and feel drowsy for several hours. A person who inhales repeatedly over several hours can lose consciousness and die.
Signs that a person may be using inhalants include:
- Chemical odors on clothing or breath.
- Empty containers or discarded soaked rags or clothing hidden in the trash.
- Red eyes, irritability, frequent headaches, drunk appearance, and slurred speech.
- Personality changes.
- Nausea or loss of appetite.
- Sores around the mouth.
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