Dangers Surrounding ‘Chroming’

Chroming is the act of breathing in volatile substances such as aerosol sprays, paint or solvents that change brain function. Chroming is a dangerous form of substance misuse and poses a significant risk for military service members. It can threaten the success of your missions and put you and your team’s safety at risk. Prevention, education and early intervention are critical to protect you and your fellow service members from the dangers of inhalant misuse. Keep reading to learn about the dangers of chroming and how to spot the warning signs.

Serious Health Risks

Sudden Death: Breathing in volatile substances use can cause “sudden sniffing death syndrome” by leading to an irregular heartbeat, even after a single use.
Respiratory Failure: Inhaled chemicals can depress the central nervous system which can stop a person’s breathing.
Asphyxiation: Displacement of oxygen in the lungs can result in suffocation.

Long-Term Health Effects

Neurological Damage: Chronic use can cause irreversible brain damage, memory loss, and cognitive impairment.
Organ Toxicity: Liver, kidney and bone marrow damage are common with repeated exposure.
Hearing Loss and Muscle Weakness: Some chemicals can specifically damage nerves and muscles.

Operational Hazards

Impaired Judgment and Coordination: Chroming negatively affects cognitive and motor functions, increasing the risk of accidents, which can have disastrous effects, especially in high-stakes military environments.
Decreased Readiness: Substance misuse undermines unit coordination, operational effectiveness and mission readiness.
Legal and Disciplinary Consequences: Chroming violates military regulations and can result in disciplinary action, discharge or loss of benefits.

Mental Health and Social Risks

Dependence: Chroming can be habit-forming, leading to a cycle of misuse.
Mental Health Issues: Chroming is often associated with underlying mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety or trauma.

Detection and Prevention Challenges

Difficult to Detect: Inhalants are often legal, inexpensive and readily available, making misuse harder to monitor.
Short Detection Window: Inhalants are rapidly metabolized, complicating drug testing efforts.

Signs of Chroming

If you’re concerned a family member, friend or fellow service member may be chroming, it’s important to recognize the warning signs. The signs of chroming include:

Paint and other stains on a person’s body or clothing.
Sores around the mouth.
Red eyes or runny nose.
Appearing drunk.
Anxiety and irritability.
Loss of appetite.

Seek Help

Warfighters seeking help for chroming are brave for recognizing they need help with their condition. The military offers robust support for service members and families facing addiction.

Warfighter Programs: Each branch of the military has specific substance abuse programs offering prevention, education, counseling and treatment.
- Marine Corps Substance Abuse Program
- Navy Alcohol and Drug Prevention Program
- Air Force Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention and Treatment Program
- Army Substance Abuse Program
Helplines: Support is always available for warfighters to take the first step toward a healthier future.
- Military OneSource: Call 800-342-9647 for assistance navigating military-specific resources.
- Military Crisis Line: Dial 988 and press 1 for immediate support.
- SAMHSA’s National Helpline: Call 800-662-HELP (4357) for confidential support and referrals to treatment programs.