Inhalant Abuse: Signs and Symptoms of Addiction

Detoxing from an inhalant addiction requires a multi-pronged approach. This is due to the physical and psychological challenges involved. Here are some treatments and strategies that are available to you when it’s time to get free of substance abuse:

• Medical supervision: Detoxing from inhalants is best done under medical supervision. This ensures that any complications can be managed promptly and safely. Healthcare professionals can monitor your health, provide medication if needed, and offer support.
• Inpatient detox programs: These programs provide 24/7 care in a controlled environment. They’re designed for individuals with severe addiction or those who require a structured setting to manage withdrawal symptoms. Insurance may cover some of these costs.
• Outpatient detox programs: Outpatient programs offer flexibility. You’ll attend scheduled therapy sessions at a treatment facility but live at home. Insurance may also cover some of these costs.
• Medications: Your physician might prescribe medications to manage symptoms such as anxiety, depression, or insomnia. Medications can help ease the discomfort of withdrawal and support your recovery.
• Counseling and therapy: Individual counseling, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), or other therapeutic approaches can help address the psychological aspects of addiction. Therapy can assist in understanding the triggers for use, developing coping strategies, and building a supportive network. Insurance may also help to cover these costs.
• Support groups: Engaging with support groups, such as 12-step programs, family therapy, or other peer support groups, can provide valuable encouragement and shared experiences from others who have faced similar challenges.
• Aftercare planning: After completing drug rehabilitation, continuing care is important. This might include ongoing therapy, regular check-ins with healthcare providers, or participation in long-term recovery programs.

Inhalants can be highly addictive, and understanding why can help you recognize the risks involved. Here’s what to know:

• Rapid onset of effects: When you use inhalants, you experience a quick and intense high.[5] This immediate rush may make you want to use the substance repeatedly to chase that initial feeling. This can easily lead to substance abuse.
• Short duration of effects: The toxicity of inhalants usually wears off quickly. Because the high doesn’t last, you might use them more frequently.
• Craving and tolerance: You might develop a tolerance to inhalants over time. This means you need to use more to get the same effect. This increasing need can escalate your risk of addiction.
• Psychological dependence: You might find yourself relying on inhalants for the euphoria they provide. This psychological dependence can make it tough to stop using them. This is especially true if you’re using them to cope with stress, anxiety, or other issues.

The biggest health risk of using inhalants is incurring potentially severe damage to your brain, nervous system, and overall neurology.[6] Inhalants can cause significant harm to your neurological systems. This can lead to cognitive impairment, memory loss, difficulties with concentration and coordination, coma, asphyxia, hypoxia, heart failure, tremor, psychosis, and even cardiac arrest and respiratory arrest. It’s even possible that any brain damage you suffer is irreversible if not enough oxygen gets to your brain.

Dangerous inhalants include many common chemical substances, aerosol products, cooking sprays, and solvent liquids.[7] Gasoline, propane, and benzene are flammable chemicals that can cause respiratory distress and organ damage. Nail polish, correction fluid, and rubber cement contain toxic solvents. Hair spray, air freshener devices, and some plastic items may have harmful fuels and chemicals that can disrupt your central nervous system. Seemingly harmless substances like poppers can be dangerous if not used properly. Many substances commonly considered safe when used in a medical scenario can be dangerous when abused, including anesthesia.