Inhalant Addiction: Signs, Symptoms, & Treatment

Inhalant addiction is a risky and potentially dangerous substance use disorder.

Inhalants constitute a category of volatile substances, emitting vapors or aerosols, which individuals inhale for their psychotropic effects. These substances are commonly encountered in household and workplace products, and include aerosol sprays, solvents, gasses, nitrites, and other compounds. Inhalant abuse is referred to as huffing addiction.

Despite their relatively innocuous use in intended contexts, inhalant abuse can cause significant risks when inhaled for non-standard purposes. Prolonged use of specific inhalants can result in severe consequences, including brain damage linked to asphyxia, hearing loss, progressive liver injury, and bone marrow disease. This can happen from the very first instance of inhalant use, with the potential for fatality.

This guide to inhalants addiction highlights the following issues:

• Are inhalants addictive?
• How addictive are inhalants?
• What makes inhalants addictive?
• What is the most effective inhalant abuse treatment?

Is Inhalant Addictive?

Inhalants can be administered through various methods, including:

• Inhaling the substances from their containers.
• Spraying an aerosols into the nose or mouth.
• Bagging, involving the placement of the substance into a plastic or paper, and then inhalaling the contents.
• Huffing, which entails positioning an inhalant-soaked rag over the nose or mouth before inhaling.
• Inhaling the substance from balloons filled with nitrous oxide.

While the effects triggered by inhalants are fleeting, many people engage in repeated use over time. This pattern of use can persist for more than a year, resulting in chronic yet intermittent exposure. Repeated inhalant use can result in addiction. Beyond this, individuals often express a compelling urge to persist in use, particularly if they have engaged in prolonged inhalant abuse.

Regular users of inhalants may develop tolerance, necessitating larger quantities of the substance to attain the same effects. This escalation can contribute to the development of increasingly compulsive usage patterns. Additionally, persistent and potentially escalating problematic use heightens the cumulative risk of various health complications, including inhalant overdose, coma, seizures, and fatality.

Signs of Inhalant Addiction

Identifying the signs of inhalant abuse and addiction can help inform prompt intervention and effective treatment. Individuals struggling with inhalant dependency may exhibit the following indicators:

• Behavioral changes: Sudden shifts in behavior, such as increased secrecy, withdrawal from social activities, or neglect of responsibilities, may signal inhalant addiction.
• Physical symptoms: Persistent sniffing, chemical odors on clothing or breath, and frequent nosebleeds may be physical manifestations of inhalant abuse.
• Psychological signs: Inhalant abuse signs may include mood swings, irritability, anxiety, or depression.
• Poor academic or occupational performance: A decline in academic or occupational performance may indicate the interference of inhalant abuse in daily functioning.
• Neglect of personal hygiene: Individuals grappling with inhalant addiction may neglect personal hygiene, leading to a disheveled appearance.
• Financial issues: Sudden financial struggles or unexplained expenditures may be linked to the cost of acquiring inhalants.
• Social isolation: Inhalant addiction can contribute to social withdrawal, with affected individuals isolating themselves from friends and family.
• Physical health deterioration: Persistent headaches, dizziness, and unexplained weight loss can be signs of inhalant-related health issues.
• Drug paraphernalia: Discovery of items like bags, rags, or aerosol containers in personal belongings may indicate inhalant abuse.
• Defensiveness: Individuals with inhalant addiction may become defensive or evasive when questioned about their substance use.

Recognizing these signs is essential for prompt intervention and seeking professional help. If you observe these indications in yourself or someone you know, consider reaching out to a healthcare professional or addiction specialist for guidance and support.

Inhalant Addiction Symptoms

Inhalant use disorder is characterized by a cluster of symptoms outlined in DSM-5-TR, a widely accepted diagnostic manual used by mental health professionals. The following are the 11 inhalant abuse symptoms:

1. Using inhalants in larger quantities or over an extended duration than initially intended.
2. Experiencing a persistent desire to reduce or control inhalant use, with unsuccessful attempts to do so.
3. Devoting a significant amount of time to activities related to obtaining, using, or recovering from the effects of inhalants.
4. Intense cravings or a compelling urge to use inhalants.
5. Failing to meet major role obligations at work, school, or home due to recurrent inhalant use.
6. Persisting in inhalant use despite ongoing social or interpersonal problems arising from its use.
7. Sacrificing important social, occupational, or recreational activities due to inhalant use.
8. Engaging in inhalant use in situations where it poses a physical hazard.
9. Persisting in inhalant use despite awareness of its adverse physical or psychological effects.
10. Needing an increased amount of inhalants to achieve the desired effect or experiencing a diminished effect with continued use of the same amount.
11. Experiencing characteristic withdrawal symptoms or using inhalants to relieve or avoid withdrawal symptoms.

If you or someone you know is exhibiting these symptoms, it is crucial to seek professional help promptly. A mental health professional can provide a comprehensive evaluation and guide towards appropriate treatment options.

Treatment for Inhalant Addiction

Treatment for inhalant addiction requires a comprehensive and personalized approach. Recognizing the severity of inhalant abuse and its potential consequences, effective treatment involves a combination of therapeutic modalities. Here are key elements of treatment for inhalant addiction:

Assessment and evaluation

A thorough assessment is conducted to understand the individual’s history, patterns of inhalant use, and any co-occurring mental health issues. This evaluation helps tailor a treatment plan to meet the specific needs of the person.

Medical supervision

In cases of severe inhalant addiction, medical supervision may be necessary, especially during the detoxification process. This ensures the person’s safety and addresses any immediate health concerns.

Psychotherapy

Individual and group psychotherapy sessions play a crucial role in treating inhalant addiction. CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) and MET (motivational enhancement therapy) are commonly utilized to address underlying issues, enhance motivation for change, and develop coping strategies.

Family involvement

Family therapy can be instrumental in fostering a supportive environment for recovery. Involving family members helps address familial dynamics, educates loved ones about addiction, and establishes a network of support for the individual in recovery.

Support groups

Participating in support groups, such as 12-step programs or other peer-led initiatives, provides individuals with a sense of community and understanding. Sharing experiences with others facing similar challenges can be both empowering and motivating.

Holistic therapies

Integrating holistic approaches, such as mindfulness, yoga, and art therapy, can contribute to overall well-being and help individuals develop healthier coping mechanisms.

Aftercare planning

A robust aftercare plan is crucial for maintaining recovery post-treatment. This may include ongoing therapy, support group participation, and other resources to prevent relapse and promote sustained sobriety.

Remember, seeking professional help is essential for individuals struggling with inhalant addiction. If you or someone you know is facing this challenge, reach out to a qualified addiction treatment center to explore the most suitable and effective treatment options.

Get Treatment for Inhalant Addiction at Renaissance Recovery

At Renaissance Recovery Center located in Southern California, our primary focus is on treating inhalant addiction and various mental health conditions through outpatient treatment programs. Tailor your recovery journey with the support and structure provided by our specialized programs:

• PHP (partial hospitalization program)
• IOP (intensive outpatient program)
• Outpatient program

All our treatment programs at Renaissance are designed to provide individualized addiction treatment, incorporating holistic and evidence-based interventions such as:

• Medication-assisted treatment
• Group therapy
• Individual counseling
• Psychotherapy
• Family therapy
• Holistic therapies
• Aftercare

Embark on the first vital step towards recovery by contacting our admissions team at 866.330.9449.