Inhalants can also be done as huffing and can cause serious damage. Here is more on the infamy of inhalants.
The Infamy of Inhalants
Inhalant abuse is popularly referred to as “huffing”. Huffing involves inhaling a chemical, then exhaling swiftly, repeating the process to obtain maximum air flow through the lungs. Huffing increases the volume of chemicals that enter the blood through the lungs.
Huffing can cause permanent damage, seriously impacting cognitive, emotional, and physical abilities. Children and adolescents are extremely vulnerable due to their brains being unfinished developing. Inhalants can also produce a serious death risk known as “sudden sniffing death syndrome”, caused by acute cardiac or pulmonary effects.
Common Inhalants Used For Huffing:
- Adhesives: Rubber cement, model airplane glue, household glue
- Aerosols: Spray paint, hair spray, air freshener, deodorant, fabric protector
- Anesthetics:Ether, nitrous oxide, chloroform
- Cleaning: Degreaser, spot remover, dry cleaning fluid
- Gases: Butane, nitrous oxide, helium, propane
- Solvents: Acetone (nail polish remover), correction fluid and thinner, paint thinner, toxic markers, pure toluene, cigar lighter fluid, gasoline
- Food: Vegetable cooking spray, nitrous oxide (a.k.a “whippets”)
Chemicals used in these products are not intended to be inhaled or ingested into the human body. The same mechanism for abuse that occurs with other drugs and alcohol occurs with inhalants. Inhalant use most often begins in late childhood or early adolescence. As with many other drugs, the high only lasts a few moments and is sought again and again in rapid sequence. A pattern of abuse can develop quickly.
Signs and Symptoms of Inhalant Abuse
Here is more on the infamy of inhalants. Severe, habitual inhalant abuse can produce other symptoms that damage the body; this includes both physical and psychological consequences. Initial effects of inhalants mirror alcohol intoxication, though hallucinations do coincide chronic inhalant abuse. Long term effects of inhalant abuse for teenagers can be extreme.
Symptoms of Inhalant Abuse:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Slurred speech
- Short term memory loss
- Depression
- Disorientation
- Loss of appetite
- Lack of concentration
- Lack of coordination
- Sensory loss
- Runny nose
- Red or runny eyes
- Psychological issues
- Behavioral problems or difficulties
Treatment for inhalant intoxication is greatly supportive, with focuses on neurological, respiratory, cardiac, hepatic, and renal systems. Sedatives are typically used for those who are experiencing irritability, psychosis, insomnia, or aggression.
At Asana Recovery, we understand how difficult recovering from these addictions through our daily work to help those struggling most from this disease. While some may believe they can make it alone, rehabilitation programs are essential in the fight to break dependency. The road ahead is not a smooth or easy one, but you can traverse it if done so with the support of the right team. Counseling and aftercare processes can assist you by addressing the psychological facets that led you to addition and help you build a structure from which to better cope with life without succumbing to addiction.
The supervised detoxification and residential treatment programs at Asana Recovery are offered in a supportive, relaxing, and inspiring environment. We’re deeply committed to ensuring your long-term recovery, and guiding you on your path to a healthier and happier future. There is no better time than now, and we’re always available to speak with you. Call us at (949) 438-4504 to learn more about our comprehensive drug and alcohol addiction treatment program today.
