The Fragrance High: Getting Buzzed On Perfumes

Getting high off perfume is a metaphor for the feeling of euphoria that some people experience when smelling a pleasant fragrance. However, it is important to distinguish this from the literal meaning, as perfume contains chemicals that can be harmful if they build up in the body, and immediate ingestion of perfume can cause health issues similar to those caused by ingesting high-proof liquor. Inhaling perfume for an extended period of time may lead to oxygen deprivation and dizziness, but it is unlikely to cause intoxication or a high. Fragrance addiction is a legitimate phenomenon, with frequent use of a particular scent leading to a neurological association with the pleasure and reward centre of the brain.

Inhaling perfume to get high

Some people may associate the idea of getting high off of perfume with fragrance addiction. Fragrance addiction refers to the frequent use of a particular fragrance due to the positive emotions and memories associated with it. The brain releases dopamine, one of its "feel-good" chemicals, when exposed to certain fragrances, which can lead to a potential addiction.

However, it is important to note that the high sought from inhaling perfume is likely not due to the fragrance itself, but rather from the ethanol or other harmful chemicals present in the perfume. Inhaling large amounts of perfume over an extended period may result in oxygen deprivation, leading to dizziness and a feeling of intoxication. Additionally, some chemicals found in perfumes, such as styrene and musk ketone, have been deemed likely carcinogens, and can be dangerous if they build up in the body over time.

Furthermore, the practice of inhaling perfume to get high can be dangerous, especially for children. Ingesting even a small amount of perfume, such as a teaspoon, can be harmful to a child, and immediate medical attention should be sought.

While the chances of getting drunk or high from simply smelling perfumes are slim, it is important to prioritize your health and well-being by avoiding risky behaviors that may lead to negative consequences.

Drinking perfume to get high

It is important to note that drinking perfume is not safe and can lead to perfume poisoning. Most perfumes contain high amounts of ethanol, which is dangerous, especially for children. If a child ingests a teaspoon or more, it is recommended to contact a poison control center or a pediatrician immediately. While it is not uncommon for children to ingest perfume, it can be life-threatening. Symptoms of perfume poisoning may be similar to those of ingesting high-proof or heavily concentrated liquor. These symptoms include dizziness, spotty vision, headaches, and low blood sugar. If an adult has ingested perfume, drinking water and eating a light snack while monitoring for symptoms is advised.

Some chemicals in perfumes, such as styrene and musk ketone, may be dangerous if they build up in the body over time. These chemicals can increase the skin's absorption of potential carcinogens, alcohols, and petroleum found in the fragrance. Additionally, the scented ingredients in perfumes are infused into alcohols, which can irritate the lungs and cause breathing difficulties.

While some people may associate the idea of getting "high" from perfume with the release of hormones like oxytocin and dopamine triggered by certain scents, it is important to understand that actually ingesting perfume is not a safe way to achieve a high feeling and can lead to serious health risks.

If you or someone you know is struggling with substance use or addiction, it is important to seek professional help from a healthcare provider or a support organization specialized in these areas.

Oxytocin and dopamine release

While it is not possible to get drunk from inhaling perfume, certain fragrances can cause a release of oxytocin and dopamine, which may result in a feeling of being high. This is because oxytocin is a highly influential neuropeptide that can significantly impact a variety of social and reproductive behaviours, including pair bonding, maternal, affiliative, and sexual behaviours. For example, oxytocin promotes positive social behaviour, such as altruism, generosity, trust, and empathy.

Similarly, dopamine is a neurotransmitter that can be released by fragrances. It is associated with feelings of pleasure and reward. The scent of vanilla, for instance, has been shown to increase levels of dopamine in the nucleus accumbens. Other fragrances that have been reported to trigger a flood of dopamine include Flowerbomb, Louis Vuitton Ombre Nomade, and Pierre Guillaume Alphaora 30.

The scent of a fragrance can vary widely depending on its ingredients and formulation, and it can have a powerful effect on our emotions and mood. Fragrances can be made from natural sources such as flowers, plants, and fruits, as well as synthetic compounds created in a laboratory. Niche fragrances, in particular, often contain higher concentrations of beneficial natural compounds, triggering specialized brain regions involved in emotional processing.

Additionally, fragrances can impact the brain by affecting the levels of neurotransmitters, such as dopamine and serotonin. The complex aromatic profile of natural perfumes can trigger powerful memory associations while supporting cognitive function and emotional balance.

Perfume addiction

The idea of getting addicted to perfume may sound strange to some, but many people confess to being unable to resist buying more and more fragrances. The world of perfume is enticing, and it is easy to get hooked on the instant confidence boost and mood elevation that a few sprays of the right fragrance can bring.

The first step towards getting hooked on anything is liking it. Fragrances are more than just smells; they evoke emotions, including love, power, confidence, and sensuality. Individuals become addicted to a fragrance because of how it makes them feel. If a fragrance makes you feel bold, chic, stylish, and sexy, you will want to use it again and again, and this can lead to addiction.

The neurological explanation for fragrance addiction is that certain fragrances cause a higher secretion of dopamine, one of the brain's "feel-good" chemicals. Dopamine, along with serotonin, oxytocin, and endorphins, plays a crucial role in how pleasant we feel by interacting with the pleasure and reward centre of our brain.

Fragrance addiction can also be linked to memory. A particular fragrance can transport us back in time with a whiff, and we may find ourselves addicted to a scent because we long to revisit good moments from the past. For example, if you wore a particular perfume to a successful job interview, you might find yourself wearing it every day because it boosts your confidence.

For some, perfume addiction can merge with a shopping addiction. Setting a budget or putting aside a certain amount of money from each paycheck can help control the urge to buy more and more fragrances.

Toxic ingredients in perfume

While perfumes are commonly thought to be harmless, they may contain a variety of toxic chemicals. The specific ingredients causing adverse effects are often not identified, as current regulations do not require perfume manufacturers to publicly list ingredients, allowing them to hide behind the term “fragrance".

Some common toxic chemicals used in perfumes include hormone sensitizers, which can cause hormonal imbalances and affect bodily functions, respiratory irritants, which can trigger asthma attacks or wheezing, and harmful ingredients that may impact human growth and the reproductive system.

Other toxic ingredients to look out for include diethyl phthalate, a chemical used to prolong perfume fragrance that is listed as a toxic and priority pollutant, and styrene, deemed a likely carcinogen by the National Toxicology Program.

To avoid toxic chemicals in perfumes, opt for natural niche perfumes from small-scale perfumeries dedicated to purity and natural ingredients. Always check the labels, and if the real ingredients are not disclosed, it is best to avoid the product.

It is important to note that the purpose of inhaling perfume to get high is not recommended due to the potential health risks involved. Inhaling chemicals can lead to intoxication or a feeling of being high, but it can also cause suffocation if the lungs and brain do not receive enough oxygen. Additionally, inhaling nitrites, which are often illegally bought, can increase the risk of contracting HIV/AIDS and hepatitis B and C.

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