Difluoroethane is an intoxicant with abuse potential. It appears to act primarily through GABA and glutamate receptors. Fatalities linked to difluoroethane abuse include actress Skye McCole Bartusiak, singer Aaron Carter and wrestler Mike Bell. Bitterants, added voluntarily to some brands to deter purposeful inhalation, are often not legally required; they do not negate or counteract difluoroethane's intoxicating effects.