In recent years, Inhalant abuse has become a huge problem in the United States, especially with younger users. Because of the wide availability of inhalants, increasing numbers of both youth and adults are experimenting with inhalants. And as the number of users increase, so do the dangerous consequences. For inhalant users, inhalant treatment may be necessary to conquer their addiction.
What are inhalants?
Inhalants are substances that users inhale in order to get a high. They include a wide variety of toxic chemicals, and can often be found around the house. Common inhalants include paint, paint thinner, computer duster, aerosol sprays, cleaning fluids, typewriter correction fluid, glue, nail polish remover, felt tip markers, propane and gasoline. Inhaling the substance or the fumes the substance produces, also known as “huffing”, causes users to experience an instant and intense high by cutting off the oxygen supply to the brain.
What effect do inhalants have on users?
When these toxic substances are inhaled, they cut off the oxygen supply to the brain, producing a light-headed and dissociated sensation. The effects of inhalants are extremely brief, often lasting 10 seconds or less. As such, many users use a large number of inhalants in a short period of time, which can increase the risk of brain damage or death.
Inhalant users often feel disoriented, dizzy and disconnected from reality. They also may experience hallucinations, become aggressive, lose the ability to speak or lose consciousness.
What are the symptoms of someone using inhalants?
Inhalant users will appear to be disoriented, drunk or “out of it”. They may experience adverse physical effects, like headaches, nausea or vision problems. Their breath, sweat and clothes may smell unusual due to the chemical consumption, and their nose may bleed or become runny.
What are the dangers of inhalant use?
Inhalants are among the most dangerous categories of drugs and can cause instant death on the first use. Inhalants completely cut off the body’s oxygen supply and can cause irregular heartbeat, heart attack, coma or death.
Other health complications that may arise from inhalant abuse include hearing loss, loss of smell and loss of short-term memory.
What is the treatment for inhalant abuse?
It’s imperative that people struggling with inhalant abuse seek inhalant treatment with a team of qualified professionals to address their addiction.
If you or a loved one is struggling with inhalant abuse, inhalant treatment might be the answer. At Turning Point Treatment Center, our individualized treatment plans, highly qualified staff and personalized approach to recovery have a proven track record of success. For more information on inhalant treatment at Turning Point Treatment Center, please contact us.
