From the Counsellor

Over the Easter holiday break I read a news article about a 13-year-old girl in Victoria who died from chroming and I wanted to write an article about chroming to educate the parents and educators of Mount Carmel College about the dangers of chroming for our young people. 

What is chroming and why should we be concerned?  

Chroming is a dangerous trend among teenagers that involves inhaling different types of household products in order to achieve a high. The term “chroming” comes from the practice of inhaling chrome paint, which is known to produce euphoric effects. 

While chroming may seem like a harmless activity, it can be extremely dangerous and even deadly. Household products such as aerosol cans, glue and cleaning fluids contain chemicals that can damage the brain and nervous system when inhaled. Additionally, the act of sniffing or inhaling these substances can lead to suffocation or asphyxiation, which can be life threatening. 

Perhaps most concerning is the fact that chroming is becoming more and more popular among teenagers with videos easily available for viewing on TikTok and more than a dozen young Australians have died from chroming since 2009. This trend is particularly concerning because it is easily accessible, legal and often goes undetected by parents and educators. 

There is no amount of solvent that can be chromed that is safe. The more you take and the longer you do it, the greater the risk.

Problems from chroming might include:

• Injury or death from falls, road accidents, drowning, etc.
• Greater chance of getting involved in violence.
• Chest pains or unusual heart rate.
• Hallucinations, psychotic episodes or even paranoia.
• Burns from highly flammable chemicals.
• Falling unconscious, going into a coma, or death.
• Seizures or blackouts.

Why do teenagers chrome? 

When you chrome you are inhaling chemicals that affect your perception. These chemicals are called depressants and they affect you in a way similar to how drugs such as alcohol, marijuana or heroin affect your body.

There are different and often complex reasons why people use drugs and alcohol. When someone chromes, it’s usually for the same reason that they use other drugs.

They might do it because it makes them feel rebellious, ‘dangerous’ or it fulfils an attention-seeking need. They might also be bored or not have much to occupy their time. They might simply be curious or want to fit in with a group. Or they may do it as a way to overcome low self-esteem, a lack of confidence, or cover up or find relief from emotional pain.

There is no single or simple explanation as to why teenagers engage in chroming.

What does chroming do to our bodies? 

The likelihood and level of harm that can result from chroming depends on many factors. This will include things like how much you’ve inhaled, gender, age, body weight, how much you’ve had to eat, your tolerance, mental state, what other drugs you’ve consumed, and others.

As with any drug, the most reliable method to prevent harm from chroming is to avoid it altogether.

One reason why people chrome is that the effects tend to be felt quickly.

Some of the immediate effects of chroming may include:

• Tiredness or drowsiness.
• Vomiting.
• Dizziness.
• Confusion or giddiness.
• Feeling more relaxed or feeling on edge.
• Losing coordination and being clumsy.
• Loss of inhibition (taking greater risks).
• Ringing in your ears.
• Slurred speech.
• Coughing or sneezing.
• Eyes that are glazed, red or watery.
• Running or bleeding nose.

Chroming can result in serious harm among long-term users. This can include physical health problems as well as effects on mood. Known effects of extended solvent abuse include difficulty remembering or short attention span, or noticeable mood swings, be it strong feelings of anger (even resulting in violence), depression, irritability or anxiety.

It can also cause constant feelings of tiredness or intense thirst, stomach problems, or weight loss.

It can affect muscle control or your ability to walk, and may even result in brain damage, liver damage or kidney damage due to chemical poisoning.

What can be done to prevent chroming among our teenagers? 

One of the most effective strategies to prevent chroming is education. Parents, teachers and other adults should talk openly with teenagers about the dangers of chroming, as well as the consequences of using household products to get high. Additionally, it is important to monitor teenagers and keep an eye out for any signs that they may have been chroming. If you do find out your teenager has been chroming you might feel angry, upset or confused but remember to stay calm. Make sure they are safe, ask if they need help, tell them they’ll be OK and stay with them until they have sobered up. Once they have sobered up try to find out what and how they’ve been chroming and what has led to the chroming. Speak to them calmly about your concerns about their chroming and provide them with information about the dangers of it.

In summary, chroming is a serious trend among teenagers that can be extremely dangerous and even life threatening. While prevention may seem difficult, it is important for parents, educators, and other adults to have open conversations with teenagers about the risks of chroming. With awareness and education, we can prevent this dangerous trend from spreading and keep our teenagers safe. 

If your have concerns your teenager is chroming and need further support please reach out to me, Courtney Holmes via email: courtney.holmes@mountcarmel.tas.edu.au

Useful Contacts and further readings

• National Alcohol and Other Drugs Hotline: 1800 250 015 (available 24/7). This service is free and offers confidential advice about alcohol and other drugs, offers support, information, counselling and referral to services. 
• Family Drug Support (FDS): 1300 368 186 (available 24/7). This service provides support and information to families, friends and carers of people who have problematic alcohol and other drug use across Australia.
• Counselling Online (24/7). Online counselling and support for people with a dependence. counsellingonline.org.au
• Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800
• Inhalant Use: A Guide for Parents and Families:
  https://vsu.mhc.wa.gov.au/media/1289/dao-4.pdf