At 24, Katie Schroeder started inhaling chemicals to feel euphoric. In Wisconsin, she used two or three cans a day and spent about 200 dollars a month. After two years, she ended up hospitalized with burns and blisters on her face; when she passed out, she also fractured her eye socket.
Today, at 43, she talks about that addiction to warn people about so-called “chroming”, which involves inhaling chemicals from everyday products. Although she quit, the sound and smell of aerosols trigger traumatic memories and anxiety. Katie avoids keeping them at home because she fears relapsing. If a trend encourages inhaling substances, don’t try it: the risk can start the very first time.
