How Addictive Are Inhalants?

According to an article published in the journal Pediatrics, these effects can include:

• Sensations of dizziness and lightheadedness.
• Slurred speech.
• Loss of inhibitions that results in an individual feeling “liberated.”
• Initial stimulation that may become more sedating as an individual inhales more of the substance.
• Mood swings.
• Changes from extended use that can consist of aggressiveness, apathy, impaired reasoning abilities, hallucinations (mostly visual), and the development of delusions, such as the feeling that one is invulnerable or delusions of a paranoid nature.
• Long-term effects, including weight loss, muscle weakness, a loss of coordination, hearing loss and other neurological impairments that may reflect brain damage, and severe emotional and psychological issues, including issues with depression and psychotic behaviors.

The cognitive effects associated with inhalant use are most often associated with higher functions, including issues with attention, the ability to encode and recall new information, and the ability to inhibit impulsive behaviors. Individuals also display other serious issues with judgment, depression, anxiety, and mood swings that are also believed to reflect issues with brain damage occurring as a result of the chronic use of inhalants. However, in some people, signs of brain damage may begin to appear relatively early.

Addiction Potential of Inhalants

There is conflicting evidence concerning the development of physical dependence in individuals who abuse inhalants substances. However, evidence suggests that individuals who use inhalant substances suffer from many of the compulsive and addictive behaviors that occur with the use of other drugs, such as alcohol, opiates, anti-anxiety medications, etc.

NIDA reports that there are some cases where individuals may have experienced seizures as a result of withdrawal from inhalants; however, most individuals primarily experience psychological and emotional symptoms during withdrawal from inhalants

The Signs of Inhalant Use

Because the consequences of inhalant use can be extremely severe, and potentially irreversible for some, it is important to be able to recognize the signs.

Indicators of inhalant use include:

• The appearance that the person is intoxicated but no smell of alcohol.
• Smelling chemicals on a person’s breath or clothing.
• Noticing paint stains or chemical stains on the person’s skin or clothes.
• Sores or spots around the person’s mouth or nose.
• Being oddly excitable, irritable, or even angry when this is uncharacteristic for the person.
• Unexplainable periods of nausea and vomiting.
• Periods of apathy, depression, appetite loss, insomnia, etc., in association with any of the above signs.
• Finding rags, empty spray cans, empty bags, etc., with chemical stains or paint stains.

People who use inhalant substances are at a significant risk to develop serious substance use disorders. Misuse of these substances is associated with a number of serious physical and emotional consequences, and the physical damage that may occur as a result of chronic use of can be irreversible. It is important to help get the individual into treatment.

How to Help a Loved One

It can be difficult to talk to someone you believe may be struggling with addiction to substances like inhalants. Some tips to make this process easier include:

• Plan what you want to say and write it down. Writing it down can help you focus and stay on point.
• Choose the right time and place. Pick a place that is calm and distraction-free, and a time when the person isn’t using or under the influence of substances.
• Avoid blaming or shaming. Also remember to avoid stigmatizing words like “addict” or “drunk.”
• Offer to help. This offer can include looking into inpatient treatment, finding out about using insurance for rehab, or offering them a ride to treatment.

Choosing the Right Addiction Treatment

Helping someone decide the best type of treatment can take some time and planning. Getting them into the most appropriate form of treatment and helping them to remain in treatment is an important step. However, some individuals may be worried about what to expect in inpatient treatment.

Generally, someone can expect:

• An initial formal assessment:This should be done by a mental health professional to identify any co-occurring mental health disorders, polysubstance use, stressful social factors, and other factors that can contribute to the person’s situation.
• Medical detox: This involves initial placement in a residential medically assisted withdrawal management program or in an intensive outpatient medically assisted withdrawal management program.
• Formal substance use disorder therapy: The therapy will be appropriate for the age and maturity level of the individual and may consist of both individual and group therapy sessions.
• Social support group participation: For younger individuals, this can include family therapy. For nearly everyone involved in treatment, some participation in a social support group such as a 12-Step group is extremely helpful. Younger individuals may respond more favorably to support group meetings that contain people in their own age group.
• Medical care, as needed: This includes continued medical management of any medical and psychological conditions that need to be addressed.
• Additional care: Other interventions may be required according to the specifications of the individual’s specific case and their needs. These interventions can include tutoring for school, vocational training, assistance with finding a safe place to live, etc. Other complementary and alternative therapies, such as music therapy, art therapy, and animal-assisted therapy may be offered. If practical and possible, these can be included in the treatment plan.
• Aftercare: Continued participation in therapy-related activities, including formal substance use disorder therapy, is important on a long-term basis. There is a positive relationship between success in recovery and the time spent in therapy. Many people find that they need to be involved in some sort of continuing treatment-related activity, such as a long-term participation in group therapy or social support groups, in order to remain successful in their recovery.

Don’t let the devastating side effects of addiction go on for another day. If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction and are ready to start the admissions process, call us today at . Oxford Treatment Center’s inpatient rehab center in Mississippi is ready to help you get the treatment you need today.