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Inhalant use disorder

Inhaling glue, solvents or gases to produce psychoactive effects. It is especially dangerous in adolescents because of brain damage and the risk of sudden death.

Common signs

Smell of chemicalsDizziness, confusion or slurred speechIrritation in the nose and mouth

Tips

For you

  1. Urgent medical attention if there are symptoms
  2. Keep the products out of reach
  3. Intervention with the young person and the family

For family and friends

  1. Keep the chemicals out of their reach
  2. Talk calmly and seek specialist help

When to ask for help

  1. If they lose consciousness or breathe poorly: 112
  2. It is especially dangerous in minors

Warning signs

List of warning signs. Tick "Yes" for the ones you have noticed. There are 8 questions and you get your result straight away. Your answers are not saved or sent.

0 of 8
1. Smells of glue, solvents or petrol
2. Has irritation in the nose or mouth
3. Appears dizzy or with slurred speech
4. There are cans, bags or rags with chemicals
5. Their school performance has dropped
6. Has changed friends or is withdrawing
7. Has frequent headaches or nausea
8. Finds it hard to concentrate

Free resources

Downloadable PDF sheetSigns, tips and resources to print or saveSpanish National Plan on Drugs: information and resourcesFree external resourceFundación ANAR: help for children and teenagers (Spain)Free external resourceAll our free guidesFree resource from Clínica Vivaldi

Related disorders

Alcohol use disorderAddictionsCannabis use disorderAddictionsTobacco use disorderAddictionsDrug use disorder (cocaine and amphetamines)Addictions

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Reviewed by María Teresa Fernández Vicente, health psychologist and neuropsychologist (registration no. CV17304), in November 2026. Educational information prepared by the Clínica Vivaldi team based on the DSM-5-TR classification. It does not replace a professional assessment and cannot be used to diagnose.