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What Are Inhalants?

Inhalants are things that are breathed in (inhaled) to give the user an immediate rush, or high. They include glues, paint thinners, dry cleaning fluids, gasoline, felt-tip marker fluid, hair spray, deodorants, spray paint, and whipped cream dispensers (whippets).

What Else Are Inhalants Called?

whippets, poppers, snappers, rush, bolt, bullet

How Are Inhalants Used?

These are inhaled directly from the container (called sniffing or snorting), from a plastic bag (called bagging), or by holding an inhalant-soaked rag in the mouth (called huffing).

What Do Inhalants Do?

Inhalants produce a quick feeling of being drunk — followed by sleepiness, staggering, dizziness, and confusion. Long-time users get headaches, nosebleeds, and sometimes lose their sense of smell. Inhalants decrease oxygen to the brain and can cause brain damage.

Using an inhalant just one time can lead to life-threatening health problems, and even cause death.

Where Can I Find Help?

If you or someone you know is fighting drug addiction, recovery is possible. Talk to your health care provider or check your state or local health department websites.

You also can get more information and support by calling 1-800-662-HELP (4357), or online at:

Medically reviewed by: KidsHealth Medical Experts

Date reviewed: March 2023