'Chroming', or solvent abuse, is when you get high by breathing in or inhaling chemicals like petrol, glue, paint, gases or solvent. Although people of all ages engage in chroming, it happens most often amongst young people and teenagers. One reason for this is that many of the chemicals used for chroming can be purchased as over-the-counter household items from the supermarket, or found within the home.
Commonly misused products are lighter fluid, nail polish remover, whipped cream bulbs, spray paint and paint thinner. Chroming is also known as 'sniffing' or 'huffing'.
Solvent abuse can result in damage to the brain, lungs, liver and other vital organs. In addition, it can also cause sudden death and can lead to serious long-term health issues. Remember, if you need support or just someone to talk to, our Sonder support team is available 24/7 to chat whenever you need it.
Why do people Chrome?
Inhalants can change the way your brain talks to other parts of the body, and may cause you to feel drunk or high. Many inhalants affect the brain in ways similar to depressants like tranquillisers, sedatives, or alcohol, although the effects are usually shorter-lasting. Other inhalants like nitrites can make your blood vessels larger and your heart beat faster. Nitrites are found in some room fragrances and medicines. This can cause you to feel very warm and jumpy.
Glues, gases, solvents, and aerosols contain volatile substances which are depressants, which means they slow down your brain and body's responses and produce a similar effect to being drunk.
There are different and often complex reasons why people use drugs and alcohol. When someone chromes, it’s usually for the same reason that they use other drugs. One reason why people chrome is that the effects tend to be felt quickly.
What happens to your body when you chrome?
The likelihood and level of harm that can result from chroming depend on many factors. This includes things like how much you’ve inhaled, your gender, age, body weight, how much you’ve had to eat, your tolerance, your mental state, what other drugs you’ve consumed, and others. As with any drug, the most reliable method to prevent harm from chroming is to avoid it altogether.
Some of the immediate effects of chroming may include:
Tiredness or drowsiness
Vomiting
Dizziness
Confusion or giddiness
Feeling more relaxed or feeling on edge
Losing coordination and being clumsy
Loss of inhibition (taking greater risks)
Ringing in your ears
Slurred speech
Coughing or sneezing
Eyes that are glazed, red or watery
Running or bleeding nose
Why is chroming harmful?
There is no amount of solvent that can be chromed that is safe. The more you take and the longer you do it, the greater the risk.
Short-term problems from chroming might include:
Rapid death from 'Sudden Sniffing Death Syndrome', which leads to heart failure
Death from falls, road accidents, drowning, etc.
Greater chance of getting involved in violence
Chest pains or unusual heart rate
Nausea, vomiting
Headaches
Hallucinations, psychotic episodes or even paranoia
Burns from highly flammable chemicals
Falling unconscious or going into a coma
Seizures or blackouts
Long-term effects of chroming
Chroming can result in serious harm among long-term users. These can include:
Brain damage
Hearing problems
Liver and kidney damage
Difficulty remembering things or a short attention span
Noticeable mood swings
Strong feelings of anger, depression, irritability or anxiety
Constant feeling of being tired
Intense thirst, stomach issues, or severe weight loss
Gradual loss over control over your muscles and ability to walk
Is chroming addictive?
Chroming can become addictive, much like many other drugs. Although addiction is a complex issue with many underlying reasons and causes, an addiction to chroming has some common signs, including:
You need to sniff or chrome to get through the day to “feel normal”
Not doing it makes you feel sick or dizzy
You feel down, anxious or angry when you’re not chroming
Your hands get shakes or tremors
How to seek help
If you or someone you know is experiencing one or more of these symptoms after chroming, call an ambulance immediately:
Breathing problems
Chest pain
Falling unconscious or difficulty staying awake
Confusion, disorientation or hallucinations
Seizures or convulsions
Blurred vision or dilated pupils
Uncontrollable shaking or tremors
For help with ongoing solvent abuse and any underlying mental health concerns, speak to your GP or community health team or contact an alcohol and drug treatment service.
If you have any questions or need extra support, we're here to help you anytime in any language. Simply start a chat with us via the home screen of the Sonder app to connect to our team of qualified, caring health professionals.
Information sourced from: Healthdirect, Care in Mind, Assist Plus, Re-Solv, Drug Rehab, National Institute on Drug Abuse.
Image credit: Keiron Crasktellanos, Unsplash.
All content is created and published for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice. Always seek the guidance of a qualified health professional.