VSU
The way a person experiences any substance depends on:
- the substance – type of substance, how much is taken, method of use
- the individual – gender, age, health, expectations, tolerance, mood
- the environment – time of day, place, with whom, cultural context.
Volatile substances are a central nervous system (CNS) depressant, which means they slow down body functions such as heart rate and breathing. They have effects similar to alcohol, with some hallucinatory effects.
Short-term effects
The effects are felt within a few minutes and are brief unless more of the substance is inhaled. The primary effects wear off after a few minutes.
In some cases where large amounts have been inhaled over a period of time, some effects may last up to an hour after the last dose (National Inhalant Abuse Taskforce, 2006).
Short-term effects may include:
- euphoria/excitement
- reduced inhibitions
- drowsiness/sedation
- impaired judgement
- dizziness
- slurred speech
- blurred vision
- bloodshot eyes
- poor coordination
- impaired attention/memory
- coughing
- sneezing/runny nose
- muscle weakness/lethargy
- nausea/vomiting/diarrhoea
- abdominal pain
- headaches
- agitation/aggression
- tinnitus
- palpitations
- flushing
- hyper-salivation.
High-dose use
High doses place the person at risk of the following:
- disorientation/confusion
- hallucinations/delusions
- delirium
- loss of consciousness
- central nervous system (CNS) depression – slowed breathing and heart rate
- convulsions
- seizure (fit)
- cardiac arrhythmia/arrest
- coma
- death.
Long-term effects
Regular or long-term use of volatile substances can damage the kidneys, liver, heart, lungs and the brain. Effects on the brain include cognitive impairment affecting attention, short-term memory, problem solving, hearing, vision, feeling and movement. Muscle weakness and reduced bone density have also been reported (d’Abbs & MacLean, 2008).
Neurological damage can range from mild to severe impairment with most long-term cognitive effects being reversible if the person abstains prior to significant damage occurring (d’Abbs & MacLean, 2008).
Other reported long-term effects include:
- chronic headache
- sinusitis
- chronic or frequent cough
- tinnitus
- chest pain or angina
- nosebleeds
- extreme tiredness or weakness
- increased nasal secretions
- red, watery eyes
- depression and/or anxiety
- shortness of breath
- anaemia
- stomach ulcers
- tremor
- weight loss.
Tolerance, dependence and withdrawal
Tolerance can occur with regular use of volatile substances. This means that more of the substance is needed to achieve the same initial effects.
Both psychological and physical dependence can occur, particularly with chronic use.
As volatile substances are absorbed into the fatty tissue and slowly released from the body, the withdrawal symptoms are considered mild compared to other substances such as alcohol, heroin or tobacco.
Withdrawal symptoms
Withdrawal symptoms start 24-48 hours after cessation of use and generally last between two and five days.
Withdrawal symptoms may include:
- craving
- anxiety
- irritability
- headache
- nausea
- muscle cramps
- tiredness/fatigue
- sleep disturbances/insomnia
- delirium/hallucinations
- tremor.
Pregnancy
The chemicals in volatile substances can pass through to the unborn foetus if a pregnant woman inhales.
Effects include an increased risk of:
- developmental delay
- birth defects
- facial abnormalities
- low birth weight
- still birth
- spontaneous abortion (miscarriage) (d’Abbs and MacLean, 2000).
Page last updated13 July 2025