Inhalant Addiction

Many people already know that the use of illegal drugs can lead to addiction or dependency, but you might be surprised to learn that some addictive substances are currently legal. The Alliance for Consumer Education reports that more than 813,000 people over the age of 12 abused inhalants in 2010. Another survey from the Foundation for a Drug-Free World shows that more than 22 million Americans admit to trying inhalants at least once. Inhalant abuse, often referred to as “huffing” or “dusting,” can be extremely dangerous. Learn to recognize inhalant addiction symptoms so you can decide if inhalant addiction treatment is the right choice for you or a loved one.

Types of Inhalants

There are many different types of inhalants, and most of them are not difficult to obtain. Some of them are common household items, such as hair spray, nail polish remover, and the products used to remove dust from computer keyboards. Individuals with an inhalant addiction frequently abuse the following items:

• Nail polish remover
• Hair spray
• Whipped cream in aerosol cans
• Keyboard cleaner
• Rubber cement and many types of glue
• Deodorant
• Lighter fluid
• Cooking sprays
• Paint thinner
• Spray paint
• Products used to clean carburetors and other car parts

Signs of Inhalant Addiction

The National Inhalant Prevention Coalition warns that inhalant addiction symptoms are often difficult to recognize. This can make it difficult to decide if a program for inhalant addiction recovery is necessary. If you are not sure if you are experiencing or witnessing symptoms of inhalant abuse, contact us today at . Our caring staff will help answer all your questions about the signs of inhalant abuse as well as questions related to inhalant abuse treatment and recovery.

Although the signs and symptoms of addiction to inhalants are not always easy to identify, there are certain things that you can look for. Keep an eye out for any of the following:

• Eyes that are red or watery
• Uncontrollable laughing
• Unexplained vomiting
• Nausea
• Stains from paint or cleaning supplies on clothing
• Paint stains on or around the mouth
• Lethargy or excessive energy
• Lack of appetite
• Anxiety
• Red spots around the mouth or nose
• Dizziness
• Lack of interest in school or work
• Runny nose

It is important to remember that these may all be inhalant addiction symptoms and signs, but they can also be symptoms of other medical conditions. Speak with a specialist at today for more information on these symptoms.

Street Names for Inhalants

If you are a parent or teacher, you might be wondering how to know if your kids are talking about inhalant abuse with their friends. Many teens and college students use street names and code words to identify popular inhalants. Listen for the following words and phrases:

• Whippets
• Snappers
• Poppers
• Huff
• Nangs
• Chroming
• Glue
• Gas
• Bulbs
• Sniff

Long-Term Effects of Inhalant Abuse

Before you consider treatment for inhalant addiction symptoms, you might want to know if there are any long-term side effects associated with inhalant abuse. Studies have shown that long-term of abuse of inhalants can contribute to many different issues, including brain damage, lung damage, and depression. Some users even lose their sense of smell or hearing. Severe inhalant abuse can lead to a coma or death, so call us today at if you are ready to start an inhalant addiction recovery program.

Options for Inhalant Addiction Treatment

You do not have to cope with your inhalant addiction symptoms alone. Many facilities exist to treat inhalant abuse and addiction. The following types of treatment programs and methods are commonly used:

• Individual counseling
• Family counseling
• Employee assistance programs (EAPs)
• Support groups
• Group therapy
• Inpatient care
• Outpatient care
• Detoxification

Depending on the patient and the severity of the addiction, the treatment process may involve more than one of the programs or methods mentioned above. The treatment of addiction is often a long-term process that lasts for a minimum of three months and sometimes as long as one or two years. It is important to remain in the recovery program for the entire time specified by a counselor or intake specialist. This helps reduce the risk of inhalant abuse relapse. Treatment is also a fluid process, adjusted to the progress of the addict in recovery; your time in treatment will be continually assessed by your treatment team to determine if more time is needed, or if you are ready to return home.

There are numerous ways that facilities approach the inhalant treatment process. Some programs treat inhalant addiction symptoms with counseling and alternative therapies, such as painting and writing in a journal. Others use holistic methods like aromatherapy and acupuncture. You can even enroll in a luxury treatment program that includes spa therapy sessions and relaxing days spent lounging by the pool. Consider your own unique wants and needs before choosing a treatment program.

If you are unsure which program is right for you, contact us today at to discuss treatment options for inhalant addiction symptoms. We look forward to speaking with you, and we are happy to help you choose the best treatment facility for your particular situation.