Why Do I Experience Unpleasant Symptoms Soon After Exposure To Inhalants?

Did you recently experience high-dose exposure to inhalant substances including volatile hydrocarbons such as toluene or gasoline?

Did you experience clinically significant problematic behavioral or psychological changes (e.g., belligerence, assaultiveness, apathy, impaired judgment) during, or shortly after, exposure to inhalants?

Did you experience dizziness during, or shortly after, inhalant use or exposure?

Did you experience nystagmus (involuntary eye movement) during, or shortly after, inhalant use or exposure?

Did you experience incoordination during, or shortly after, inhalant use or exposure?

Did you experience slurred speech during, or shortly after, inhalant use or exposure?

Did you experience unsteady gait during, or shortly after, inhalant use or exposure?

Did you experience lethargy during, or shortly after, inhalant use or exposure?

Did you experience depressed reflexes during, or shortly after, inhalant use or exposure?

Did you experience psychomotor retardation during, or shortly after, inhalant use or exposure?

Did you experience tremor during, or shortly after, inhalant use or exposure?

Did you experience generalized muscle weakness during, or shortly after, inhalant use or exposure?

Did you experience blurred vision or diplopia (simultaneous perception of two images of a single object) during, or shortly after, inhalant use or exposure?

Did you experience stupor or coma during, or shortly after, inhalant use or exposure?

Did you experience euphoria during, or shortly after, inhalant use or exposure?

Based on your answers, you may not meet the diagnostic criteria for inhalant intoxication. However, you may have displayed one or two uncomfortable symptoms soon after exposure to inhalants. Most inhalants produce a rapid high that is similar to alcohol intoxication. You will feel excitation initially, followed by drowsiness, agitation and disinhibition. If a sufficient amount is inhaled, you may experience a loss of sensation which can lead to unconsciousness. In case you answered ‘no’ to all questions, there is no reason for concern. However, it may be useful to talk to your doctor in case you are using inhalants, whether or not on a regular basis.

Based on your answers, you may have displayed some signs related to an inhalant intoxication. Inhalant intoxication is diagnosed when someone recently was exposed to inhalant substances and experienced problematic symptoms. Intoxication usually clears within a few minutes to a few hours after inhalation. But inhalants can also have long-term health effects because the inhaled chemicals stay in your body. They can damage your brain cells, liver, and kidneys. Because inhalants provide a rapid high, users commonly inhale the product continuously. You may find it necessary to talk with your doctor about your symptoms.

Unfortunately, you may have displayed several symptoms typically seen among individuals who have inhalant intoxication. It is essential to seek medical support. People commonly use household goods as inhalants. Inhaling these products is dangerous even with one-time use. In severe cases, inhalant intoxication can cause seizures and heart stoppage. In case you show a problematic pattern of inhalant intoxication, you may be diagnosed with inhalant use disorder. Treatment of inhalant use disorder typically consists of cognitive behavioral therapy and/or family therapy. Don’t be afraid to seek professional help, as your quality of life may improve significantly.