Is huffing hand sanitizer dangerous? There are a lot of interesting and unsafe habits that teenagers will experiment with, such as sniffing sharpies or smoking smarties candies. Hand sanitizer is another peculiar substance that a person will attempt to use to get high. But can you get high off hand sanitizer? Hand sanitizer is alcohol-based, and the other chemicals can cause intoxication, so although smelling hand sanitizer is dangerous, people will inhale the fumes to get high.
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How to Get High Off Hand Sanitizer
People who sniff hand sanitizer can become addicted to the smell of alcohol and fumes, which often leads to drinking the substance. If you or someone you know has done this and you are wondering what to do if you drink hand sanitizer, calling poison control and seeking immediate medical attention is advised. Alcohol poisoning can occur depending on the amount consumed. If a person is only to lick or get a small amount in their mouth, then mild effects can be attended to at home.
While forty percent is made of water and sixty percent is alcohol, usually ethanol or isopropyl, less than one percent of hand sanitizer is made up of colorings, fragrances, polyacrylate, and emollients. Hand sanitizer addiction can occur due to the alcohol and other chemicals in the substance. Many younger people tend to experiment with products, and since there is a high demand for hand sanitizer due to COVID, the curiosity to drink it increases. Also, teenagers can’t easily purchase alcohol which may lead them to consume this bacteria removing product.
Hand Sanitizer Side Effects
Yes, you can get high off hand sanitizer, but that does not mean you should. The product is made to clean the skin of bad germs and not to be ingested. Hand sanitizer effects on the skin include dry, cracked skin and discoloration from overuse. Other physical effects include:
- Loss of smell
- Lightheadedness
- Impaired judgment
- Nausea and vomiting
- Chemical burns in the nose
- Hallucinations and delusions
- Agitation of changes in mood
- Worsen respiratory conditions
Huffing hand sanitizer is not advised and should be avoided so that there is no risk of addiction and severe health complications. A person should look for addiction treatment programs that offer medically monitored detox and other helpful services to prevent overdose.
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