Recognizing the Signs of Inhalant Addiction and Finding Help in California

Inhalant addiction is often overlooked but can be extremely dangerous if not treated early. A recent study found over 35,000 cases in the United States, with the average age of the person being impacted being 14. This abuse of household products for recreational purposes (often referred to as “huffing”) can have immediate, severe, and long-term health consequences, including but not limited to sudden sniffing death.

Understanding the signs of inhalant addiction and seeking professional treatment early is crucial for long-lasting recovery and finding sobriety. In today’s article, we are going to be exploring some of the most common signs of inhalant addiction and how to find help for the disease in California.

What is Inhalant Addiction?

Inhalant addiction is when someone becomes physically or psychologically dependent on substances that are inhaled with the goal of feeling intense euphoria. Unlike other forms of substance use disorder (SUD), inhalants are often commonly found, everyday household products. This makes inhalant addiction much harder to recognize and treat.

When a person abuses inhalants, their brain starts to associate these chemical effects with pleasure or relief from stress. Over time, they may feel an intense craving for these substances and experience inhalant withdrawal symptoms if they ever stop. Some of these symptoms include irritability, nausea, tremors, headaches, and anxiety.

Because inhalants act so quickly on the central nervous system, addiction can develop rapidly, and is very hard to shake. Individuals struggling with inhalant addiction often continue using despite experiencing serious health problems, social difficulties, or behavioral changes. 

The Risks of Inhalant Abuse

Inhalant misuse is uniquely dangerous because the effects can be unpredictable and life-threatening. Understanding the specific risks can help you recognize the urgency of seeking help and ultimately beat the disease.

Sudden Sniffing Death

One of the most alarming risks of inhalant abuse is sudden sniffing death. This can occur even after a single use. Inhalants can trigger fatal heart arrhythmias, leading to immediate cardiac arrest and sometimes even death.

Risk of sudden sniffing death is particularly high in adolescents and young adults, as their bodies are less able to handle the toxic effects of volatile substances. Teens represent the largest demographic of those suffering from inhalant addiction. 

Organ Damage

Repeated inhalant places significant strain on internal organs. Chemicals often found in these household products damage the liver, kidneys, and lungs, Prolonged exposure often results in long-term health complications, including death. Brain function is also commonly impaired from inhalant addiction, causing memory problems, concentration difficulties, and reduced cognitive ability.

Long-Term Cognitive Impairment

Inhalant abuse affects the central nervous system. Users may experience long-lasting changes in brain chemistry, leading to difficulties with learning, decision-making, and emotional regulation. Cognitive effects and damage often persist even after someone stops using inhalants, making early intervention critical.

Accidental Injuries

Loss of coordination and impaired judgment are common during inhalant abuse. This can often result in accidental injuries, such as falls, burns, or other trauma. As inhalants are often used in secret and in unsafe environments, the chances of accidents are higher, especially for teens and adolescents experimenting without supervision.

Which Household Products Are Commonly Misused as Inhalants?

Many people assume inhalants involve illegal substances, but in reality, everyday household products are some of the most commonly abused by those suffering from inhalant addiction. A few of these household substances include:

• Aerosol sprays ( deodorants, air fresheners, cleaning sprays, etc.)
• Glues and adhesives
• Paint thinners and solvents
• Gasoline and lighter fluids
• Nitrous oxide from whipped cream dispensers

These products contain volatile substances that produce mind-altering effects when inhaled. While these effects may seem harmless on a surface level, even a single time inhaling them can lead to dangerous outcomes, including heart failure, suffocation, or sudden sniffing death.

Parents and caregivers should be particularly vigilant, as teenagers and young adults are most at risk. Keeping track of product use and educating young people about the risks of inhalants is a critical preventive measure.

What Are the Warning Signs Someone Is Huffing?

Recognizing signs of huffing and inhalant addiction symptoms early on can make a significant difference in intervention, treatment, and overcoming the disease. A few key physical and behavioral indicators to be on the lookout for include:

• Breath smelling like chemicals
• Paint-like smell on clothing or skin
• Stains around the mouth or on hands
• Frequent headaches, nausea, and/or dizziness
• Slurred speech or lack of coordination
• Sudden mood swings, irritability, or withdrawal from friends and family

Psychological changes can also be a significant red flag, though it is sometimes more difficult to spot. An individual abusing inhalants may appear unusually euphoric for short periods, then depressed or lethargic afterward. They may struggle to concentrate, have memory lapses, or experience anxiety and paranoia.

Because inhalant withdrawal symptoms can be severe, early intervention is important. If you suspect someone is abusing inhalants, professional evaluation and support from facilities like SoberMind Recovery for drug and alcohol treatment in the San Fernando Valley are essential steps.

Can You Get Addicted to Inhalants?

Yes, inhalant addiction is a real and serious condition. While some users experiment casually, repeated use can quickly lead to physical and psychological dependence and even death in extreme cases. Inhalants act on the brain’s reward system, creating a powerful cycle of craving and use that can destroy the user’s physical and mental well-being over time.

Addiction can also exacerbate underlying mental health conditions. That’s why dual diagnosis treatment in Los Angeles is particularly beneficial for individuals struggling with substance abuse or mental health disorders simulteanously. Comprehensive dual diagnosis care addresses both the addiction and any co-occurring psychological issues, increasing the chances of long-term recovery.

SoberMind Recovery Is Here to Help

SoberMind Recovery is a Los Angeles dual diagnosis treatment center that offers a wide range of specialized treatment, recovery, and rehabilitation programs, ranging from LGBTQ sober living to dual diagnosis treatment. They also provide individual, group, and cognitive behavioral therapy options.

Our mission here at SoberMind Recovery is to provide individualized, research-backed care in a compassionate and high quality environment while making a difference in the world of addiction. We help people achieve long-lasting recovery and lead well balanced lives.

Residents of the Los Angeles area are encouraged to call today 100% free of charge at 818-835-9268 or 819-398-8047 to see if our compassionate, evidence-based treatment options are a good fit for you and your recovery needs.