Chroming refers to inhaling hydrocarbons in the form of sprays, solvents or gas to achieve a quick and intense high. This dangerous practice has recently evolved into a trend or challenge among adolescents and young adults, who record videos of themselves inhaling these substances to post on social media.

Chroming can pose a dangerous risk to health, as it can have short-term and long-term effects. After inhaling hydrocarbon substances, users may experience immediate feelings of euphoria or hallucinations, but it can also lead to impaired judgment, coughing and an irregular heart rate.

The continued abuse of hydrocarbon substances, also referred to as “huffing” can cause serious long-term damage to your organs and can develop into a dependence or addiction. It is important to seek urgent medical attention if you or a loved one are experiencing adverse effects from chroming and/or if you need assistance with overcoming substance abuse disorder.

What it involves

Chroming is the practice of inhaling hydrocarbons, which can be found in products like nail polish remover, petrol, paint thinners, spray paint, permanent markers, lighter fluid or deodorants.

A change in mental state can be achieved in a variety of ways, like soaking a cloth in the substance and inhaling, placing the substance in a plastic bag and inhaling it, or inhaling the substance directly from its container.

The chemicals found in these products (e.g. acetone, toluene, butane or petroleum) enter the lungs through inhalation and are absorbed into the bloodstream, where they reach the brain and lead to an immediate high. Prolonged abuse of chroming can lead to tolerance to these chemicals over time, meaning that inhaling even more of the substance is needed to achieve a high.

Social media trends

Chroming and inhalant abuse has been prevalent for decades, however it has recently reemerged and has gained popularity due to videos of this practice posted to social media.

Videos of teens and young adults inhaling harmful substances are commonly tagged with #chromingchallenge or #chroming. A study completed in 2024 by the American Academy of Pediatrics showed that 100 TikTok videos associated with this challenge had garnered over 25 million views.

Effects of chroming

Chroming can lead to immediate effects like a sense of euphoria, dizziness and a headache.. The substances themselves can be irritating to the airways and also cause respiratory symptoms like coughing, sneezing and a runny nose.

Persistent abuse of inhalants can also lead to:

Short-term effects, like central nervous system depression, seizures, abnormal heart functioning, tolerance and disorientation
Long-term effects, like addiction, brain damage, liver and kidney damage, dementia, cardiac failure and even sudden death.

Due to dependence and addiction, long-term chroming can also have a social impact and lead to strained family relationships, an overall decrease in mental health, academic decline and ongoing feelings of shame or guilt.

Treatment options

The effects of chroming should be immediately assessed by a doctor in a hospital setting. The doctor will start by evaluating the patient’s health status through an ECG (to check heart function), a chest x-ray (to check for respiratory symptoms) and blood work (to ensure adequate oxygen and electrolyte levels).

To treat chroming symptoms, the doctor will monitor the patient with the aim of supporting any presenting symptoms. Medications like diazepam can be administered IV to manage any behavioral disturbances or seizures, and oxygen may be indicated for patients in respiratory distress.

The chemicals in inhalants can quickly enter the bloodstream through the lungs, leading to an immediate effect on the brain. Users often report feelings of euphoria, dizziness, or hallucinations. However, these effects are short-lived, leading some individuals to engage in repeated inhalation to prolong the experience.

The doctor will also perform a risk assessment to determine the risk for repeat ingestion or self-harm, as an addiction to chroming may require ongoing mental health interventions. Substance abuse disorder can be treated in an inpatient on outpatient basis with extensive behavioral therapy.