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Though uncommon compared to other forms of substance abuse disorder, inhalant addiction is very real. Though it might seem like huffing paint or sniffing glue can’t be that bad, these substances actually have harmful qualities. Primarily affecting adolescents, inhalant abuse is dangerous. That’s why it’s so important to understand the signs of inhalant abuse.
Fortunately, relief from inhalant abuse disorder is possible. At SoberMind recovery in California, substance abuse recovery is only a phone call away. Read on to learn more about inhalants, overcoming inhalant dependency, and if a California rehab is right for you or a loved one.
Inhalants are volatile solvents such as paint thinner, aerosols like hair sprays, gases, and nitrites. These products are not technically ‘drugs,’ but contain a solvent called toluene that is thought to cause an addictive drive. People with inhalant abuse disorder will huff, chrome, or bag these substances in order to induce mind-altering effects, such as a feeling of euphoria.
According to the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM 5), a person with inhalant use disorder may:
Inhalant abuse is more common than you might think, even in adults. In a 2006 study, researchers who drew data from the 2002 and 2003 National Surveys on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) found that one in ten of all adults had used an inhalant at least once in their lives. That statistic doesn’t mean every person who used was addicted, but it does show how common inhalant abuse can be.
However, inhalant abuse disorder doesn’t have to be commonplace in order to impact people. In the study, the 8% of adults surveyed who met the criteria for inhalant-use disorder were primarily ages 35-49, less educated, and struggled with pre-existing emotional problems and substance use disorder.
In addition to adults, inhalant abuse is also extremely common in youth. A 2020 study found that among people aged 12 or older, 0.9% used inhalants in the past year. This percentage was highest among adolescents between the ages of 12 and 17, decreasing with age. In fact, there is actually a global pattern of early adolescent inhalant abuse.
In adolescents, inhalant abuse negatively impacts growth, leading to weight loss and emaciation. In addition, inhalants can also suppress hunger. As a result, inhalant abuse is also associated with eating disorders, including with behaviors like fasting and purging.
More generally, inhalant abuse can cause difficulty breathing, liver toxicity, kidney failure, cancer, and even brain and nerve damage over time. It can also negatively impact bone marrow.
In the short-term, inhalant abuse can lead to death. This is because the chemicals in solvents or aerosol sprays can induce irregular and rapid heartbeats, leading to heart failure. In addition, when a person sniffs an inhalant, the toxic chemicals can cause them to stop breathing. These effects are known as sudden sniffing death, and can happen even after just one use.
Inhalant addiction treatment begins with detox, ridding a patient of toxins, treating a patient’s symptoms and stabilizing their breathing. During this time, doctors may remove contaminated clothing and wash a patient’s skin, hair, or eyes.
It’s important that a patient is monitored by doctors during detox, as withdrawal symptoms from inhalant abuse include:
Following stabilization, a healthcare worker will assess a patient’s history of substance use disorder, as well as their cognitive functions if necessary. As well, they will begin long-term behavioral treatment. This can take the form of cognitive or dialectical behavioral therapy, group and individual therapy, family therapy, and motivational enhancement.
For example, in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), a patient will learn to challenge negative thought patterns that lead to unhelpful behaviors like substance abuse. Typically involving weekly sessions, typical CBT asks patients to listen to their own emotions, learn which thinking patterns are unhealthy, and develop coping strategies for these situations.
While uncommon compared to other substance abuse disorders, inhalant use disorder still impacts peoples’ lives. Because it’s so dangerous to use inhalants, overcoming inhalant dependence is extremely important. So is recognizing signs of inhalant abuse. Fortunately, there is accessible inhalant addiction treatment.
In California, SoberMind Recovery offers substance abuse recovery treatments, including for inhalant abuse disorder. If you or a loved one is seeking inhalant abuse rehabilitation, or help recovering from any other substance, then SoberMind Recovery can help. With LGBTQ+ sober living and dual diagnosis treatment in Los Angeles, SoberMind Recovery Center offers personalized and compassionate care. Call us today at +1-213-348-1421 to find out if our evidence-based treatments are right for you.