Inhalant use in children and teenagers
इनहेलेंट का नशा (व्हाइटनर, गोंद, पेट्रोल)
Inhalants are household and stationery products — correction fluid (whitener), thinner, glue, petrol, aerosols — whose fumes are sniffed for a quick high.
They are cheap and easy to get, so children and street-connected youth are most affected. Even a single use can be fatal.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Kuldeep Budania, MBBS, MD Psychiatry
Common symptoms
- Chemical smell on breath or clothes; stained hands or face
- Empty whitener bottles, rags or plastic bags
- Slurred speech, dizziness, red eyes, sores around the nose and mouth
- Falling school performance and behaviour change
Causes
- Low cost and easy availability
- Peer groups, neglect, hunger or difficult home situations
Risk factors
- Young age, school dropout, child labour or street life
- Family substance use or violence
Signs of dependence
- Strong craving and difficulty controlling the amount
- Sniffing daily, often in groups
Danger signs
- Sudden sniffing death — the heart can stop even on first use
- Suffocation when using plastic bags
- Unconsciousness, fits or breathing trouble — call 112
Health consequences
- Brain damage affecting memory, learning and coordination
- Nerve, liver and kidney damage
- Hearing loss and accidents
Relapse prevention
- Identify triggers — people, places, stress, celebrations, payday — and plan for them
- Continue medicines and follow-up even after feeling better
- Replace old routines: exercise, work, religious or social activities
- A slip is not failure — contact the doctor early rather than hiding it
How it is diagnosed
- Non-judgemental interview with the child
- Physical examination; liver, kidney and nerve assessment as needed
Classification: ICD-10 F18 · ICD-11 6C4B
Treatment options
- 1Safe environment, nutrition and medical care
- 2Return to school or skills training
- 3Treatment of depression, ADHD or learning problems
- 4Linkage with child welfare services when needed
Psychotherapy and counselling
- Motivational counselling adapted for children
- Family therapy and parenting support
Guidance for family
- Stay calm; do not beat or shame the child
- Supervise access to whitener, thinner and petrol
- Inform teachers and work together
When to see a psychiatrist
- Any suspected inhalant use in a child
- Unconsciousness or breathing problems — emergency
Thoughts of self-harm or a medical emergency? Call Tele-MANAS 14416 (24×7, free) or 112.
Frequently asked questions
Can a child get addicted to whitener?
Yes. Regular sniffing leads to dependence and can damage the brain. Early help is important.
Can de-addiction treatment be done online?
Assessment, medicines, counselling and follow-up can often be done by video. People with severe withdrawal, other serious illness or no support at home may need admission at a local hospital — you will be guided.
Will my treatment be kept confidential?
Yes. Your consultation and records are confidential. Seeking treatment for addiction is a health decision.
Help is available — confidential, in Hindi or English.
Private video consultation from anywhere in India with an Ajmer-based psychiatrist. Psychiatry consultation ₹500.
This page is for education and does not replace a personal consultation. Do not start or stop any medicine without a doctor's advice.