Inhalant Abuse: Short- and Long-Term Effects of Inhalants
Inhalants are a type of vapor-emitting or aerosolized substances that some people inhale (breathe in) for their pleasurable or mind-altering effects. Many household chemicals, including nitrates, aerosol sprays, solvents, and gasses, can cause significant harm to people’s mental and physical health. If you find yourself struggling with inhalant abuse or addiction, help is available.
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- Family counseling can help kids and teens learn about the origins of their addiction and how to heal through connections with family.
- Himself, an alumni of The Freedom Center, Michael brings a personal experience of the program to his role.
- To understand more easily, in particular for parents, all forms of inhalant abuse will be referred to as huffing from here on.
- My approach to therapy is grounded in compassion, empathy, and a deep understanding of the unique experiences and perspectives of each of my clients .
- If you or a loved one are in need of help with addiction, contact us today.
Due to this short duration, people often try to make the sensation last by inhaling repeatedly over several hours. Minor symptoms of inhalant use can be treated with over-the-counter medicines. It’s important to be knowledgeable and on guard to detect the symptom of inhalant abuse in case it arises within your family or friend group. Of adults suffering currently or had suffered from an active SUD, over 66% were children abusing inhalants when they first started getting high. There are many other signs and symptoms, so, if you’re worried but your loved one’s symptoms don’t exactly match the ones we’ve outlined here, that doesn’t mean that they aren’t dealing with an addiction.
Short-Term Effects
Nitrous oxide is the most abused of these gases and can be found in whipped cream dispensers and products that boost octane levels in racing cars. Other households or commercial products containing gases include butane lighters, propane tanks, and refrigerants. Being born and raised in Gaithersburg, Maryland, it was always a dream for James to start a program where he began his own recovery journey. Having faced addiction in his own life, and having worked through recovery, James truly understands what it takes to get sober and stay sober.
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Someone addicted to inhalants will continue to use them in spite of their damaging health effects. Other effects of inhalants include lightheadedness, hallucinations (seeing things that aren’t there), or delusions (warped or false beliefs). Repeated use can intensify the effects and cause a person to feel less in control. In more extreme cases, individuals can experience vomiting, ongoing drowsiness, and headaches.
What is the prognosis for inhalant use disorder?
The survey found that 0.1% (or 335,000 people) had an inhalant use disorder in the 12 months prior to the survey—and many of the users are still children. According to a 2022 survey from Monitoring the Future, high school students (3.6% of 8th graders, 2.4% of 10th graders, and 1.8% of 12th graders) were still huffing within the 12 months prior to the survey. People who develop tolerance to inhalants may develop withdrawal symptoms if they stop using them. Withdrawal can be so uncomfortable that people may struggle to avoid relapse without supervision, treatment, and significant support. His focus is on helping people who suffer from multiple issues, such as schizophrenia, mood disorders, substance abuse, PTSD, anxiety, depression, OCD, and ADHD. If too many toxic substances are present in the body, it can lead to excessive sweating, rapid heart rate, nausea, physical tics, seizures, and a loss of consciousness.
- He works directly with the clients on management of medical issues both related to and separate from their addiction, ensuring comprehensive health care plans that ensure our clients’ chances at recovery.
- A lot of inhalants aren’t typically thought of as drugs because that’s not the primary reason they’re bought.
- With a robust foundation in 12-step philosophy, Federico can not only educate the clients on the model, but also integrate the tried-and-true principles in a more personal, clinical setting.
- In 1994, approximately 1% of those 15 and older had used inhalants to get high.
- With herself and her staff their main goal is to provide a safe, nurturing environment for our clients.
- Moving forward, nitrous oxide made its first appearance in the 1700s-1800s and was used as an intoxicant.
- We adhere to strict accuracy guidelines and only reference credible sources when providing information on our website.
Signs & Symptoms of Inhalant Abuse
Inhalant users report symptoms similar to alcohol use, with side effects of huffing including feelings of euphoria, lowered inhibitions, and dizziness. Inhalants are the term used for certain kinds of aerosols when they are used as a drug. A lot of inhalants aren’t typically thought of as drugs because that’s not the primary reason they’re bought. Generally, inhalants are used for other practical purposes, which unfortunately can make them extremely easy for even very young teenagers to get ahold of them. Amanda Stevens is a highly respected figure in the field of medicalcontent writing, with a signs of huffing specific focus on eating disorders andaddiction treatment. Amanda earned a Bachelor of Science degreein Social Work from Purdue University, graduating Magna CumLaude, which serves as a strong educational foundation for hercontributions.
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I have over four years of experience helping individuals, couples, and families navigate life’s challenges, including mental health issues, addiction, trauma, grief, and other issues individuals may experience. I graduated from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County with my Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work and then pursued my Masters in Clinical Social Work at the University of Maryland, Baltimore, School of Social Work. I have experience working in psychiatric hospitals, inpatient, outpatient, detox, and partial hospitalization programs providing clinical social work services. My approach to therapy is grounded in compassion, empathy, and a deep understanding of the unique experiences and perspectives of each of my clients . I utilize a person-centered approach to my clients to help empower change within themselves. Inhalant use disorder is a type of substance use disorder in which people use common household and workplace items to get high.