Surveys say around 22 million Americans have used inhalants once in their lifetime. While this addiction is not as common as the others, it is certainly notable for its longevity in users and its physical and psychological effects. Addiction to Inhalants – ‘Huffing’ your Life Away
Inhalants – what they are
In most cases, it is the parents of teens who call up an Addiction hotline for help. This is because it is mostly teenagers who get hooked on this substance. Inhalants are volatile substances comprising chemicals.
Called Huff, Hippie Crack, or Whippets in common parlance, inhalants produce mind-altering effects that are short-lived and closely resemble those of alcohol’s effects. Addiction to Inhalants – ‘Huffing’ your Life Away
Some of these are:
- Glue
- Nail polish
- Paint thinners
- Gasoline
- Marker fluid
- Hair or deodorant spray
- Whipped cream dispensers
- Leather cleaner
- Room odorizer
If you feel you or a loved one is hooked on fumes emanating from any of these, search for a Kentucky Drug Rehab today and seek the right medical help.
Effects of Inhalation
Inhalant abusers say that they feel the following when they smell the fumes:
- Euphoria
- Dizziness
- Hallucinations
- Slurred speech
- Loss of coordination
In most cases, addicts ‘huff’ the inhalant. In this, they soak a rag with the liquid inhalant and then lift it up to their nose and smell the vapors. Sometimes, they inhale it directly from the container.
In the throes of severe Inhalant addiction, some users even heat up the substance to intensify its effects.
All is not enjoyment, however. The long-term effects of this addiction are truly scary. It causes severe permanent damage to the body. Some of these are:
- Nerve and brain damage
- Hearing loss
- Liver, kidney, and bone marrow damage
- Limb spasms and loss of coordination
As inhalants depress the central nervous system, in many instances, breathing the fumes in too deeply or taking in a higher dose may be fatal.
The saddest part is it is mostly teenagers who fall prey to this addiction. In fact, they are the largest group of this type of addiction, with the average user age being 17.
The physical and psychological effects of Inhalant withdrawal are quite severe too. Some of these are:
- Hallucinations
- Chills
- Agitation
- Muscle cramps
- Headaches
- Nausea and sweating
In some cases, the user may have convulsions too. It is vital to ensure that if you or a loved one is seeking freedom from this addiction, you have the right medical support by your side.
This is because you may not be able to bear the symptoms and be tempted to give in to a relapse. Just search for a ‘drug rehab near me’ and you can ask for help right away.
Most rehabs have trained and experienced medical staff that will support and encourage you in your deaddiction journey. You can start with a customized plan that caters to all your physical and mental withdrawal symptoms so that you are successfully weaned off the addictive substance.
For more information on addictions and solutions, please visit https://www.daylightdetox.com/addiction/inhalant-addiction/.
