Inhalant abuse occurs when people huff or inhale fumes from household or occupational chemicals. People can inhale fumes from oven cleaner, gasoline, some types of glue, nail polish remover and other substances to get high. Inhalant addiction can occur, driving people to repeatedly abuse these substances. Ongoing inhalant abuse can lead to serious medical and mental health concerns.
Understanding Inhalant Addiction: What You Need to Know
Inhalant abuse of any type can be concerning, but it’s especially worrying that many people who use inhalants are young. While only around 1% of people aged 12 and up report abusing inhalants, around 4% of 8th graders reported using inhalants in the 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health.
Because these substances are easy to access and inexpensive, they’re often the illicit drug of choice for younger people experimenting with getting high. However, abuse of inhalants and subsequent addiction can cause people to seek out other substances.
Long-term inhalant abuse can also lead to serious physical issues, including chronic bronchitis, asthma, tuberculosis and sinusitis.
Warning Signs and Risks of Inhalant Abuse
Some signs that you or someone you love may require substance abuse help due to inhalant addiction include:
- Changes in behavior, particularly disinterest in activities they used to enjoy
- Unexplained weight loss or a noticeable decrease in appetite
- Chemical stains on clothing or skin that aren’t easily explainable, including paint stains
- The scent of chemicals on clothing, skin or breath
- Changes in social circles
- A negative change in work or school performance
- Physical signs, such as slurred speech or nosebleeds
- Hostility, irritability or anger
- Signs of mental health issues, including depression or paranoia
- Cognitive challenges, including problems concentrating or focusing
The biggest risk for inhalant abuse is age, as people aged 12 to 17 are most likely to abuse these substances. However, existing addiction struggles, life stress and other factors can put someone at risk at any age.
How an Inhalant Abuse Hotline Can Help
If you’re interested in inhalant recovery resources, a hotline can connect you with options in your area. You can also call an inhalant abuse hotline to talk to someone who understands your situation and can respond with care and compassion to your story.
What to Expect When Calling a Hotline
When you call an inhalant abuse hotline, you can expect:
- Confidentiality. The National Rehab Hotline and other similar resources provide confidential services, so you can trust that your information is secure and safe.
- Compassionate support. Trained specialists answer your call and provide caring support that includes listening to your story, helping you arrive at a calmer state of mind and determining what next steps might be right for you.
- Recommendations for local resources. The National Rehab Hotline team provides information about local resources so you can connect with further substance abuse help.
Encouraging a Loved One to Seek Help
If you have a loved one who’s dealing with inhalant addiction, their first step to a healthier life is seeking professional help. Here are some tips for encouraging someone you love to seek substance abuse help:
- Choose the right time and place for the discussion. When possible, have the discussion in a location where the person is comfortable and you can have a private talk.
- Let them know you care. Communicate that you love the person and want to see them healthy and happy.
- Tell them how their inhalant abuse impacts you. In a nonjudgmental way, explain how their inhalant abuse is impacting them and others.
- Show support for seeking help. Let them know you’ll stand by them as they begin the journey of inhalant recovery.
- Provide a specific step for them to take. Offer a phone number they can call to get help, such as the National Rehab Hotline.
Reach Out to the National Rehab Hotline Now
If you or someone you love is struggling with inhalant addiction, take the first step toward a sober life by calling the National Rehab Hotline. Our specialists are available 24-7 to provide caring support and connect you with local resources for substance abuse help.