Inhalants are certain chemicals in household or commercial products that produce a high when inhaled. Their rapid absorption means the high they produce is quick yet fleeting. Chronic inhalant abuse can cause a series of long-term health issues, coma, or even death. The highest-risk population for inhalant addiction is early teenagers, particularly males. Adolescent experimentation is one reason for this. Inhalant addiction can also continue into adulthood or develop later in life. Similar to other addictions, inhalant abuse is more likely among people with family histories of addiction, past trauma, or mental health issues.

Find inhalant help through a substance abuse treatment program at Midwest Detox Center when you call 833.647.0392.

What are Some Common Inhalant Examples?

Inhalants are found in many common household items. Most of them are inexpensive, legal, and not hard to hide. Inhalant drugs are divided into four categories: solvents, aerosols, gasses, and nitrites.

Solvents

Solvents are a type of liquid that usually dissolve at room temperature. For this reason, they are often referred to as volatile solvents. Paint thinners, glue, lighter fluid, nail polish remover, and felt markers are all examples of volatile solvents.

Aerosols

Aerosols are a type of propellant spray. They often contain solvents. Common aerosols are spray paint, hair spray, and deodorant that come in a spray can.

Gasses

Gasses are a broader category because they include substances used in the medical profession alongside more common household objects. Nitrous oxide, commonly called laughing gas, is the most recognizable gas in this category. While primarily restricted to medical use, nitrous oxide is also found in whipped cream canisters and other propellants. Some lighters and propane tanks also hold types of inhalants.

Nitrites

Nitrites are a type of chemical compound. They impact the central nervous system. Usage relaxes the muscles. Nitrites appear in some air fresheners and leather cleaners.

How Inhalants are Abused

Inhalants are abused by breathing them in or snorting them. Any method that delivers the inhalant is liable to be used by someone abusing inhalants. The high that inhalants produce is short-lived. Maintaining a buzz from inhalants requires repeated inhalation over a period of time.

Inhalant use is not free from side effects. Inhalant abuse can cause confusion, depressed mood, irritability, paranoia, and concentration problems. Many people who abuse inhalants display physical signs of said abuse. That could include chemical smells on their clothes or person, fatigue, irritation around the nose and mouth, and slurred speech.

Inhalant drugs often result in negative behavioral changes as well. People who abuse inhalants may withdraw socially, take less care of their appearance, perform worse at work or school, lose interest in hobbies, or display a general apathy toward life.

What is Inhalant Addiction Treatment Like?

Inhalant addiction is treated very similarly to other addictions. Treatment providers like Midwest Detox Center begin with an inhalant detox. This removes the presence of inhalants from someone’s life and severs their body’s dependence on the drug. Inhalant treatment entails individual therapy, lifestyle management, family services, support groups, and aftercare.

With inhalant addiction being most common among teenagers, motivational intervention is a common technique. Motivational intervention is a type of counseling that helps patients find the inner motivation to change their behavior and pursue recovery. Overcoming an inhalant addiction is largely impossible if the patient does not desire change for themselves.

Family counseling and services are another key focus, especially when adolescents are involved. Getting the entire family to participate in recovery can improve communication, rebalance boundaries and healthy authority structures, and correct negative behavior patterns that may otherwise impede recovery.

Discover Inhalant Help at Midwest Detox Center

Inhalant abuse can cause lasting damage to a person’s body. Inhalants damage brain cells and nerve fibers. Long-term inhalant abuse can cause memory issues, vision problems, and even affect coordination. Thus, correcting an inhalant addiction as soon as possible is paramount. That is especially true among teens as their bodies and brains are still developing. An inhalant addiction could entirely upset their future.

Midwest Detox Center offers inhalant rehab services that can help you, or a loved one course correct. Reclaim your future by contacting 833.647.0392.