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Chroming and Brain Injury - Fact Sheet
 Chroming is the inhalation of solvent based products known as inhalants such as paint, petrol and adhesives. It is an emerging form of drug abuse among young people as it is a cheap way to get high.
Depressant Effect
Like alcohol, inhalants are central nervous system depressants. Immediate side effects can include agitation, drowsiness, nose bleeds, sores around the mouth and nose, flu-like symptoms, bloodshot eyes, diarrhoea and reckless behaviour. Long-term use poses serious health risks such as anaemia, eyesight problems and permanent brain damage.
Chromers are usually teenagers. They call the inhalants glue, poppers, gas, sniff, huff or chrome. The majority of chromers are experimenters in that they try chroming once or twice then stop by themselves. A smaller number are social users who chrome with a group of friends. They will often grow out of the practice as they develop other interests. A few will go on to become long-term dependent chromers. Generally these users will have other problems in their lives and feel unable to quit even if they dislike the practice.
It is interesting to note that the reasons given by young people for using inhalants are often very similar to the reasons adults give for using alcohol and tobacco. In many cases experimenting with inhalants can be a part of growing up and they move onto other activities.
Health implications
Short term
Short term abuse of inhalants cause damage to the brain, nervous system, liver and lungs.
Symptoms of short term abuse include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Headaches
- Diarrhoea
- Abdominal pain
- Difficulty walking (
 Ataxia)
- Stupor
- Seizures
- Cardiac arrest and death
Some inhalants can also indirectly cause sudden death by cardiac arrest, in a syndrome known as Sudden Sniffing Death Syndrome. The anesthetic gases present in the inhalants appear to sensitize the user to adrenaline. In this state a sudden surge of adrenaline (e.g., from a frightening hallucination), can cause a fatal cardiac arrhythmia.
Inhaled solvent abuse is statistically more likely to result in life-threatening respiratory depression (i.e. you stop breathing) than intravenous use of opiates such as heroin.
Long term
Longer term abuse of solvents can cause damage to:
- The central and peripheral nervous systems
- Kidneys,
- Liver
- Lungs
- Heart
- Bone marrow
- Blood chemistry (leading to anemia)
Cognitively, this can result in illogical thinking, forgetfulness and irritability.
Many solvents are strongly teratogenic: They cause major birth deformities when used during pregnancy and also cause an increased risk of miscarriage.
Discontinuation of long-standing solvent-inhalant abuse may result in withdrawal symptoms including tremor, agitation, Tachycardia, hallucinations and seizures, within hours to days of stopping use.
Cleaning products, correction fluid and aerosol sprays are particularly likely to cause permanent brain damage, particularly when the use has been heavy and frequent. Death from chroming is usually due to accidents such as suffocation caused by using plastic bags to inhale, choking on vomit when unconscious, and behaving recklessly.
Dependency and Treatment
The body will develop tolerance with regular use of inhalants. Dependence (psychological and physical) among users is rare considering the number who have tried inhalants. A psychological dependence means the inhaling becomes far more important than other activities of life. Chromers will form a craving and find it very difficult to stop. Chronic abuse may result in physical dependence where the body gets used to functioning with the inhalant present. Stopping abruptly in these cases can cause withdrawal symptoms.
Withdrawal symptoms following termination of use can include anxiety, depression, loss of appetite, irritation, aggression, dizziness, tremors and nausea.
In Australia there are a number of drug treatment options. The overall aim of these programmes is to reduce the harm and risks related to a person’s drug use.
Treatment is more effective if tailored to suit a person’s specific situation and usually involves a combination of methods. The different options include individual counselling, group therapy, medication and supervised/home withdrawal. Early intervention is important before any permanent damage is done.
What Parents Can Do
It can be difficult to detect if your child is chroming. One clue to look for is an unusual amount of glue, solvent or aerosol containers in your child’s possession. You may detect chemical smells on clothes or breath or unexpected and rapid ‘drunken’ behaviour. Sores around the nose and mouth can also be a sign of chroming.
If you suspect your child may be chroming it is best not to panic. If you stay calm your child is more likely to discuss the problem with you. Really listen to what your child says and try to understand their point of view. They may only be experimenting. Make it clear that you are concerned because you love them and want them to be safe. If your child is a regular user, they need your help and support, not condemnation. You should also look at the message your lifestyle sends to your child. Your use of legal drugs such as alcohol or tobacco can influence your child’s attitudes to drugs.
Call Alcohol and Drug Services in Queensland on 07 3236 2414 or toll free 1800 177 833 for further information or advice on a specific issue. In all States, your local Brain Injury Association should be able to refer you to appropriate agencies.
Further reading
http://www.emedicine.com/ped/topic2790.htm
http://www.aodgp.gov.au/internet/aodgp/publishing.nsf/Content/handbook/$FILE/chap10.pdf
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Chroming and brain injury 
