The Dangers Of Drinking Nail Polish Remover - Addiction Resource

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answered by Treatment X Evidence Based The Dangers Of Drinking Nail Polish Remover Written by Kelly Jones, LPC, NCC, BC-TMH Medically Reviewed by Johnelle Smith, M.D.

Updated on October 30, 2025

Drinking nail polish remover because of its alcohol content is a trend among teens and young adults because of its ability to cause intoxication and it is easily accessible. Consuming nail polish remover, however, is extremely dangerous because of the harmful chemicals it contains.

ON THIS PAGE:
  • Reasons People Drink Nail Polish Remover
  • Dangerous Of Drinking Nail Polish Remover
  • Symptoms Of Acetone Poisoning
  • Find Help For Alcohol Abuse
  • Show More
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Some young people have started drinking nail polish remover to try to get drunk. This is extremely dangerous because nail polish remover is not meant to be consumed and contains toxic chemicals that can seriously harm the body or even cause death. Some nail polish removers contain acetone or other chemicals that can make someone feel intoxicated, but these substances are poisonous when swallowed.

Young people may choose nail polish remover because it’s easy to find at home or in stores, it’s cheap, and they don’t need an ID to buy it. This trend is often a sign of serious substance abuse problems that need immediate help. Parents and caregivers should know about this dangerous practice and watch for warning signs that a young person might be misusing household chemicals.

Reasons People Drink Nail Polish Remover

Some types of nail polish remover contain alcohol. Young people who are not yet old enough to buy alcoholic beverages purchase the product as a substitute because it causes them to feel intoxicated. Besides drinking it, some may apply it directly to their skin or intentionally inhale its vapors in an act called “huffing” because these methods can both cause someone to become intoxicated. The cheap price of nail polish remover seems to be a factor for those who drink it since young people often have a limited amount of cash.

Lastly, many young people drink nail polish remover because it is a common household product. They believe that no one will find out what they are doing if they have it in their possession.

Why Is It Dangerous To Drink Nail Polish Remover?

The dangers of drinking nail polish remover are due to the acetone the product contains. Acetone is a ketone that the body makes when it breaks down fat for energy. Small amounts of it pose no problem because they can be flushed out of the system quickly by the liver. However, if someone drinks a large amount of it so they can feel intoxicated, a condition called ketoacidosis can occur.

This is especially dangerous for those who have either type-one or type-two diabetes because it will cause their blood sugar level to become so high that they can go into a coma. The ingestion of a high amount of acetone can also lead to a person’s death because they could be poisoned by it.

Symptoms Of Acetone Poisoning

Young people are often very good at hiding their substance abuse issues by drinking or getting high only when they are left unsupervised. As their addiction worsens, they will begin to take more risks because their body will start to crave a higher amount of the substance as they develop a tolerance to it. Unfortunately, this can lead to acetone poisoning, a condition that requires emergency treatment at a hospital. The liquid is absorbed into the body very quickly, though.

Parents can tell if their son or daughter may have been poisoned by acetone by checking them for the following symptoms:

  • low blood pressure
  • lethargy
  • sweet, fruity odor coming from the mouth
  • severe headache
  • slurred speech
  • lack of physical coordination
  • unconsciousness
  • decreased respiration
  • coma

The standard treatment that is given to young people who have acetone poisoning, which is pumping their stomach, will only work if it is done within an hour after they consume it. It is best not to induce vomiting because the corrosive nature of the liquid could cause damage to the delicate lining of the esophagus.

Other Dangers Of Drinking Nail Polish Remover

The long-term use of nail polish remover can cause other health problems besides the dangers of acetone poisoning. The liver and kidneys can shut down, which means that a person who is addicted to the substance will probably need an organ transplant to survive. There is also a possibility of nerve damage, brain damage, and internal bleeding from the damage to the stomach and esophagus that nail polish remover causes. Young women who consume nail polish remover while they are pregnant have an increased risk of causing their baby to be born with birth defects.

It is also important to mention that there are several other chemicals in nail polish remover besides acetone that can cause cancer in someone who regularly ingests them.

Find Substance Abuse Treatment

Young people who drink nail polish remover are likely facing serious substance abuse issues that may extend beyond this single dangerous behavior. They may also be drinking regular alcohol, cough syrup, mouthwash, or other products containing alcohol or intoxicating substances. This pattern of consuming anything available to get high shows a level of desperation that requires immediate professional intervention. The behavior indicates that the person needs help right away before they suffer permanent damage or fatal consequences.

Anyone caught drinking nail polish remover needs to be evaluated immediately by an addiction specialist who can assess the severity of their substance abuse problem and recommend appropriate treatment. Treatment options include alcohol rehab programs specifically designed for young people, inpatient treatment for intensive care and supervision, outpatient counseling, family therapy, and dual diagnosis treatment if mental health issues are contributing to the addiction.

Written by the Addiction Resource Editorial Staff

This page does not provide medical advice. See more Article resources

Addiction Resource aims to provide only the most current, accurate information in regards to addiction and addiction treatment, which means we only reference the most credible sources available.

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  • US National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus — Acetone Poisoninghttps://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002480.htm
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