Inhalant Abuse and Addiction

Inhalants are substances that people inhale through their mouth or nose. Common inhalants include gasoline, paint thinner, turpentine, nail polish remover, aerosol sprays, glue, spray paint, laughing gas, and cleaning fluids. Many people misuse these chemicals because they create feelings of euphoria similar to those caused by illegal drugs.

Inhalant abuse, often referred to as huffing, sniffing, or bagging, can rapidly alter one’s mood, much like alcohol. This occurs because aerosols, gases, and volatile solvents are depressants for the central nervous system.

People who misuse inhalants may feel lightheaded or dizzy. They might also have slurred speech, trouble coordinating their movements, and lower inhibitions.

Inhaling substances is often aimed at achieving a high, but most inhalants can harm the body and brain. Over time, they can cause serious health issues, brain damage, or even death.

Effects of Inhalants

The chemicals in volatile solvents, aerosol sprays, and gases can cause various short-term effects. These effects may include:

• Dizziness or poor coordination

• Slurred speech

• Impaired judgment

• Headache

• Feeling tired or drowsy

• Muscle weakness

• Nausea and vomiting

• Euphoria

• Flushed skin and overall body warmth

Are Inhalants Addictive?

Inhalant addiction develops when the body becomes reliant on the chemical being inhaled, whether physically or psychologically. This dependency can be intense and may require time and support. Many people who have struggled with inhalant use for years often feel intense cravings, even after trying to quit multiple times.

Using inhalants can lead to tolerance, which means you need to use more to get the same effects over time. However, your body does not build a tolerance to the harmful effects.

Continued use of inhalants can seriously and permanently damage your lungs, brain, and other organs. There are also psychological and emotional effects from misusing inhalants. These emotional problems can last for months or even years after you stop using them.

If you have been abusing inhalants, it is essential to seek addiction treatment. Getting help early can improve your chances of staying healthy and sober. Taking this step can lead to a better life.

Symptoms of Addiction to Inhalants

Inhalants pose significant risks and can lead to addiction, which often goes unnoticed until it becomes serious. It’s important to stay aware of the signs of addiction in ourselves and others. The health effects can be harmful. They may cause problems with coordination, heart health, kidney function, and loss of appetite, which can lead to weight loss.

Below are some of the signs to look for in someone who may be addicted to inhalants:

• Constantly seeking or craving inhalants. The person often finds reasons to use the drug to get high. You make excuses for smoking or sniffing in front of friends and family.

• Friends and family expressing concern. The person goes to great lengths to hide their addiction and becomes defensive whenever friends or family voice their concerns.

• Unable to keep up with routine and responsibilities. The addiction is interfering with the person’s daily routines and responsibilities at school or work.

• Symptoms of withdrawal. The person cannot go for long periods without inhaling because of withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, sweating, and nausea.

• Failed attempts to quit. The person has made several attempts to quit inhalants but is not successful in giving them up.

Treating Inhalant Use Disorder

The first step in recovering from inhalant addiction is to find treatment. There are many options available. You can choose residential rehab centers for intensive care or outpatient rehab for more flexibility.

Self-help groups provide support from others who understand, and counseling offers personalized help. Some people may also need medication management during their recovery. It’s important to explore which option works best for you.

Treatment starts with an evaluation by an addiction specialist. This includes a physical exam, psychological tests, and drug screening. This information helps specialists create a treatment program that works for you and addresses any immediate health issues.

When you start treatment for inhalant abuse, you will go through three stages: detox, the treatment program, and aftercare. Completing these stages in order can help you recover effectively and is often the best way to start your journey to recovery.

Detoxification

Detox, short for detoxification, is usually the first step in treatment for people who have recently abused substances. During detox, your body gets rid of these substances it has become dependent on. This process helps keep you away from those substances and gives your body time to handle withdrawal.

When people stop using inhalants, they may face withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms can vary based on how long they used inhalants, how badly they abused them, and whether they were using other drugs or alcohol, too.

Common withdrawal symptoms include anxiety, restlessness, insomnia, depression, irritability, headaches, tremors, sweating, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps, and seizures. Knowing about these symptoms can help those trying to overcome inhalant dependence.

Detox should be done with help from trained medical staff who can provide the care you need. Sometimes, doctors can use medications to reduce the pain of detox, but this should only happen under the right conditions and with proper guidance.

Once detox is complete and health is restored, individuals can advance to the next step: the treatment program.

Components of Treatment

A well-rounded treatment program incorporates various components to support recovery. Individuals often benefit from a mix of treatment options tailored to their needs. By combining different elements with proven practices, effective treatment can be achieved. Here are some essential components to consider when assessing a treatment program.

• Behavioral Therapy: Behavioral therapy helps people change their behaviors and thoughts related to substance abuse. It is a key treatment option because it addresses the root causes of substance misuse.

• Talk Therapy: Counseling helps you work through the issues that led to your addiction in a helpful and caring way. In one-on-one sessions with a trained counselor, you can identify and understand the underlying problems related to your substance abuse.

• Stress Management: Stressful situations or strong emotions can make you want to use inhalants. It is essential to learn how to handle these situations. A psychologist or psychiatrist can help you find and deal with any stress or anxiety in your life.

• Family Therapy: Family therapy can be beneficial for individuals dealing with inhalant addiction, even if no one else in the family shares the same struggle. Open communication about these challenges is vital to recovery and promotes a supportive environment.

• Medications: Medication management is recommended for individuals with inhalant abuse, including those who have misused legal substances like alcohol or illegal street drugs.

• Group Therapy: Support groups can help people dealing with addiction. In these groups, members share their experiences and challenges. Talking with others who understand your struggles creates a supportive and caring environment. Group counseling allows you to gain encouragement and advice from peers who have faced similar issues, which can aid your recovery process.

• Aftercare: An aftercare program provides a supportive environment to help you maintain progress during treatment outside of a formal facility. It connects you with resources and groups that aid in staying sober. Your treatment center usually assists in creating a personalized aftercare plan that meets your needs.

Start Treatment and Reclaim Control

Getting through inhalant abuse addiction is a challenging journey, but it’s certainly possible. The crucial step is to find an effective treatment program that provides the support you need so you’re not facing this struggle alone. The right program will offer various services and the encouragement to kickstart your recovery.

At New Jersey Behavioral Health, we know that taking the step to seek help is courageous. Our caring and trained professionals are here to support you on your journey to recovery. We’ll work with you to find the right path, empowering you to build healthier routines and transform your life. You don’t have to face this alone; we’re here for you.

References:

1. Medline Plus; National Institute of Health: Substance Use: Inhalants
2. National Institute of Health: Inhalant Use and Inhalant Use Disorders in the United States
3. National Institute of Health: Inhalants