Inhalant Addiction Treatment Guide

Inhalant addiction refers to the problem of addiction to relatively low-concentration, volatile, and toxic chemicals that are inhaled. This addiction often arises out of people’s desire for an easy high and what they mistakenly perceive as a safe alternative to illegal drugs or alcohol. There is a range of substances that may be inhaled, which differs depending on cultural factors and availability.

Inhalants may include a variety of products, such as glues, fuels, paints, and solvents. Inhalant addiction is generally due to the psychoactive effects of the chemicals inhaled, and it can occur in people of any age and sex. Dependence occurs when your body adapts to regular abuse of the substance. You will become dependent on the substance if you have been using it for several months or more. This can lead to a strong desire to consume it again to experience the pleasurable feelings accompanying the fix. There are a variety of ways to treat inhalant addiction, and it all depends on the specific type of chemical.

What Are Inhalants?

Inhalants are chemical compounds that you inhale in order to deliver specific chemical effects to the brain. There are many different types of inhalants. The main types of inhalants include the following.

Volatile solvents

Volatile solvents include household products such as paint thinners, shellac, glues, adhesives, and nail polish remover. Volatile solvents are essentially chemicals that evaporate easily with heat and are used to create a chemical reaction in various industries. Inhalant addiction can lead to dependence and, ultimately, to serious health concerns such as cancer. Volatile solvents are also extremely toxic and potent, which makes them a very dangerous substance.

Gases

Some gases are used primarily to make people feel high. Some of these include nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, and fluorocarbons. Nitrous oxide is an anesthetic that is sometimes used in conjunction with surgery. It can cause short-term euphoria and mild unconsciousness. Nitrous oxide also has anesthetic properties that inhibit pain and sensory input.

Glue Sniffing

Glue sniffing involves inhaling fumes released by glues and adhesives. This can be done by sniffing the substance directly from the container, which is often a plastic bag. This is an extremely harmful activity, especially for children. The vapors released when the glue is being used may sometimes irritate the nose, throat, and lungs. For this reason, it should be avoided entirely, as this may lead to serious health problems such as asthma.

How Do You Use Inhalants?

There are various ways to use inhalants. The most common method involves breathing in fumes from a container that is held close to the nose and mouth. There are also more severe cases in which inhalants are injected into the bloodstream using a needle.

Effects of Inhalant Abuse

There are many risks involved with inhalant addiction as, due to the lack of purity in these products, there can be a range of impurities and toxicities. There are short-term and long-term effects of inhalant abuse, depending on the type and potency of the substance inhaled.

Short-Term Effects

Inhalants have been known to cause immediate adverse effects on the body’s central nervous system.

Intoxication

One effect is intoxication, which occurs when the inhalant reaches your brain and causes the release of chemicals that increase your heart rate and alter your mood. This can make you feel relaxed, euphoric, dizzy, or drunk. You may also experience hallucinations.

Dizziness

Another effect is that it can cause feelings of dizziness, fatigue, and weakness. This is caused by the inhalant slowing down the activity of your brain, which leads to the weakening of the muscles.

Muscle Spasms

Inhalants can also cause muscle spasms, which can result in you losing control over your body.

Euphoria

Euphoria is a feeling of extreme joy, pleasure, or spiritual transcendence. This is often caused by the inhalant causing dopamine to be released into your brain as well as blocking the receptors for serotonin.

Long-Term Effects

When you continue to use an inhalant for a long period of time, your body is continually exposed to the harmful chemicals in it. This can lead to harmful long-term effects.

Seizures

Inhalants can cause seizures, which can be extremely dangerous if you have asthma.

Depression and Anxiety

Another problem with inhalant addiction is that it can cause mental issues like depression and anxiety. Depression is a serious state of mind in which people feel very sad, hopeless, or have extreme feelings of guilt. Anxiety is a feeling of unease and restlessness.

Brain Damage

Inhalants can also cause permanent damage to your brain. This damage may include impaired thinking, lack of coordination, hearing loss, speech problems, and seizures.

Respiratory Problems

Finally, long-term inhalant abuse can cause severe respiratory problems. These may include lung infections, pneumonia, and possibly death.

What Are Inhalant Addiction Symptoms?

There is a range of symptoms that may occur in inhalant addiction, depending on the type of drug used. These include the following.

Using Frequently

If you decide to use the inhalant frequently, it is likely that you are becoming addicted. You may feel uncomfortable if you don’t have the inhalant and will go to great lengths to get it. You may spend a lot of your time thinking about it and turning to the substance to ease the symptoms of withdrawal. There may be physical pain associated with stopping the inhalant. This is usually accompanied by a feeling of anxiety and depression, which can also lead to further drug abuse.

Feeling Depressed or Anxious

If you are feeling depressed or anxious, there’s a very good chance that you are experiencing withdrawal symptoms from inhalant addiction. These include reduced appetite, shakes, irritability, insomnia, stomach cramps, and difficulty breathing. This may help you realize that you have a problem.

Lying about Use

It is normal for teenagers to experiment with drugs, but when drug abuse becomes a regular occurrence, lying about drug use becomes apparent. You may be embarrassed about your use of inhalants and will cover it up. You may also lie about the frequency of your use and hide the substance from your parents or friends. If this happens, it is likely that you have a problem, and it is time to get treatment.

Physical Injuries

If you have regular injuries and have difficulty performing simple tasks, this may be due to inhalant abuse. You may start falling a lot and bump into things. You might also notice that your balance is off, and you feel lightheaded. These are all signs that you have a problem and should seek help.

Social Inhibition

If your behavior is no longer appropriate for your age, this may be due to inhalant addiction. You may have trouble relating to friends or family members and begin to withdraw from social activities. You may also find it hard to concentrate in school, perform simple tasks, or go on ordinary outings because you feel so anxious and agitated.

Inhalant Addiction Treatment

Inhalant addiction is a serious problem and can be difficult to overcome. However, there are effective treatments available.

In-Patient Treatment

In in-patient treatment, you live in a hospital environment while undergoing treatment. You will receive support and have the opportunity to learn how to deal with your problems, including inhalant addiction.

Outpatient Treatment

Outpatient treatment allows you to recover at home while attending regular treatment sessions. You will learn how to deal with the problems in your life, including inhalant addiction.

Individual Therapy

While there are many therapies available, individual therapy is the most effective. It allows you to work on your problems while learning how to deal with them independently. You will learn how to manage your emotions without turning to drugs.

Family Therapy

In this type of therapy, you will learn how to communicate with your family and address issues that are causing conflict. You will learn how to improve relationships with your family members. You will also learn how to improve your life by addressing the issues that are causing you problems.

Counseling

If you’re not in a position to address your problems, counseling can help. It can help you learn how to deal with stress, anxiety, and depression. It allows you to talk about your problems in a safe environment. This may lead to healing and the development of coping mechanisms. You will learn how to deal with any problems that are causing you distress.

Detoxification

Inhalant addiction can cause withdrawal symptoms, which make it hard to stop using the substance. When you seek treatment, you may be required to detoxify from your drug of choice. This is done in a controlled environment with medical supervision. It helps to ease the symptoms of withdrawal and can be a vital part of treatment.

Support Groups

Support groups can be a vital part of recovery. They help others with similar problems, and they provide support and encouragement. You can attend meetings regularly to motivate yourself to get better. Groups exist for people who are struggling with drug use, alcohol addiction, and family problems.

Motivational Interviewing

Motivational interviewing is an effective counseling method. It can help you learn how to deal with your problems through a series of exercises. You will learn to identify your goals and priorities and learn how to make positive changes in your life.

Meditation

Meditation can help people deal with a very wide range of issues. It can be effective in helping you deal with problems such as inhalant addiction. Meditation helps you to relax and manage your emotions in a healthy way. Meditation also helps with anxiety and stress.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Cognitive behavioral therapy is a very effective method of treatment. It teaches you how to deal with your emotions, fears, and stress in a healthy way. This prevents you from turning to drugs or alcohol, which can worsen your problems. The techniques taught in CBT can be very simple and effective.

How to Avoid Inhalant Abuse

Inhalants are available in many homes and are affordable. They are common among teenagers as they are easily accessible. However, everyone should be aware of the dangers and risks associated with inhalant abuse. Inhalant abuse can cause serious health issues. It can also lead to problems with other substances, such as alcohol, cocaine, and heroin. Therefore, parents need to lock up inhalants and other substances that can lead to abuse. If a child is found with an inhalant, parents and teachers should contact the relevant authorities or an addiction counselor and seek help.

Inhalant Addiction Rehab Checklist

It is crucial to find a treatment center that suits your needs. Therefore, research treatment centers and compare the different therapeutic methods. The following questions will help you choose a treatment program for your addiction.

Choose One Based on Your Needs

How do you feel about the methods used by the treatment center? Do they meet your needs and requirements? How confident are you in their ability to help you recover from addiction? What kind of support and guidance would you like? Do they have a helpful and professional staff? What is their success rate?

By Location

Are you looking for a residential treatment center or one that provides outpatient treatment? How easy will it be for you to reach the location of the treatment center? Will you be able to attend treatment sessions regularly? Will the treatment center be easily accessible by public transportation?

Financial Factors

Do you have a budget for this treatment? How much is the treatment center willing to work with you on payment for treatment? Are there payment plans? Are there any hidden or additional costs associated with this treatment program? Is the cost favorable?

After Care

After you have completed treatment, do they have any aftercare programs? Will they provide you with support to ensure your recovery? Are there any additional programs offered? Is there a follow-up support system? How long will the aftercare last?

Advocacy

Is there an advocacy program that helps you make changes and recover? How will your recovery be monitored and supported? Are there any ongoing support programs available to you?

You can overcome an addiction to inhalants with the support of a qualified counselor and treatment center. Inhalant abuse can lead to addiction and serious health problems. It is important to seek help for any inhalant use disorder as soon as possible.