Addiction Signs, Symptoms, and Treatment

Inhalants are a group of chemicals found in many common household products. The vapors from these products can affect the brain and be inhaled for their mind-altering effects. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), inhalants are commonly abused by adolescents aged 12-14, as opposed to older adolescents and young adults, because they are readily available in everyday items and are inexpensive.[3]

The most common inhalant products abused and their general classification categories are:

• Volatile Solvents: Liquid chemicals that vaporize at room temperature, like paint thinner, nail polish remover, correction fluid, felt-tip markers, dry cleaning fluids, gasoline, and degreasers. These products typically contain substantial amounts of dangerous chemicals, such as toluene and hydrocarbons.
• Aerosol Sprays: Any product that contains propellants and solvent mixtures, such as spray paint, deodorant, hair spray, cooking oil sprays, and fabric protectant sprays. The normal propellant found in most aerosol products is butane, which can also be used as a flammable substance.
• Gases: Chemicals found in many household and commercial products. Butane lighters, propane tanks, whippets, refrigerants, chloroform, and nitrous oxide are all capable of being inhaled.
• Nitrites: Although there are other types of inhalants that act upon the central nervous system, nitrites carry a variety of names (poppers, snappers) and operate by dilating blood vessels and relaxing muscles. Nitrites are often abused for sexual enhancement purposes.

Inhalants can be abused by:

• Huffing: Inhaling the fumes from a rag soaked in the product.
• Sniffing: Inhaling directly from the product container.
• Bagging: Inhaling the fumes from a container filled with the product that is sealed with a bag.
• Ballooning: Inhaling from a balloon that has been filled with an inhalant such as nitrous oxide.

If you or someone you care about has an addiction to inhalants, it is important that you seek a professional treatment program for inhalant abuse. At Agape Treatment Center, we offer comprehensive inhalant abuse treatment through a variety of levels of care.

Our evidence-based treatment methods include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), group therapy, and family therapy. Many inhalant abusers have underlying mental health issues, trauma, or family problems.[8] Because of this, we take a dual diagnostic approach that addresses the substance use disorder and each of these contributing factors.

Inhalant treatment also focuses on:

• Education about the severe dangers of inhalant abuse
• Addressing any neurological or physical damage from substance use
• Developing healthy coping mechanisms for stress
• Rebuilding self-esteem and life skills
• Creating structure and accountability
• Family involvement and healing

Recovery does not end with treatment. We also provide our clients with an aftercare plan to help them stay connected to support groups, access to ongoing therapy options, and strategies to prevent relapse.

When someone is abusing inhalants, prompt action is essential. Anytime they sniff, there is a possibility of sudden sniffing death as well as permanent brain damage and severe neurological impairment associated with prolonged use.

At Agape Treatment Center, we understand the special challenges of treating inhalant use disorder. Our caring staff provides age-appropriate treatment in a nurturing setting. We work with families to eliminate easy access to inhalants in the home and educate them about the serious risk of huffing.