What is a well-known serious risk of inhalant use?

Inhalant use is associated with several serious health risks, with asphyxiation and sudden death being particularly notable. Inhalants often lead to a rapid onset of effects due to their fast-acting properties, which can cause a user to experience immediate oxygen deprivation. This is often referred to as "sudden sniffing death syndrome." When inhalants are used in harmful ways, such as huffing or bagging, they can displace oxygen in the lungs, leading to asphyxiation. Additionally, the acute effects of inhalants can cause fatal arrhythmias due to heart sensitization to catecholamines, contributing to the risk of sudden cardiac events.

While other risks like psychological disorders and cardiac complications are associated with inhalants, the specific danger of asphyxiation and sudden death highlights the immediate and life-threatening nature of inhalant abuse. It underscores the critical need for awareness and prevention strategies regarding this form of substance abuse.