Inhalants are everyday household products that people misuse to experience a high. According to the FDA, there are more than 1,000 commonly available substances that can cause powerful highs for a short time, including typewriter correction fluid, air conditioning refrigerant, felt-tip markers, spray paint, air freshener, butane and even cooking spray. The effects of inhaling these materials may be short-lived, but the consequences can last a lifetime. This danger makes getting inhalant addiction help more urgent than help for many other substances.
Many people who struggle with inhalant abuse feel trapped by their addiction. They may believe they can quit anytime but find themselves returning to their substance of choice. If you’re not able to stop using inhalants, it’s not a sign of weakness. This is the nature of addiction, and it’s possible to overcome with help.
Signs Use Is an Issue
Recognizing the signs of inhalant abuse is crucial. Early intervention can make a difference, potentially preventing long-term damage to health and well-being. Common indicators include changes in behavior, mood swings and physical symptoms that may seem subtle at first but grow more evident over time.
- Behavioral Signs
A person may become secretive, hiding their activities or lying about their whereabouts. They might avoid family and friends or isolate themselves from social gatherings. A noticeable loss of interest in hobbies, sports or other previously enjoyed activities is a red flag. Declining school or work performance, frequent tardiness or unexplained absences can also indicate a growing problem. Sudden financial difficulties, such as asking for money without explanation, may suggest substance abuse. - Mood Changes
Irritability, anxiety and depression often accompany substance abuse, creating emotional instability. Someone struggling with inhalants may experience extreme mood swings, shifting from euphoria to deep sadness without a clear cause. They may seem overly tired, sluggish or unmotivated at times, while at other moments they appear restless or unusually energetic. Increased paranoia or irrational fears may also surface, along with difficulty concentrating or making decisions. - Physical Symptoms
Chemical odors on clothing, hands or breath are telltale signs of inhalant use. Slurred speech, coordination problems and frequent nosebleeds can indicate prolonged exposure. Other warning signs include dizziness, nausea and unexplained weight loss, as inhalants can suppress appetite. Users may also develop rashes or sores around the nose and mouth due to chemical exposure. Chronic use can lead to muscle weakness, tremors and lingering headaches.
If you or someone you love is showing any of these signs, help is available. Acknowledging the issue you’re dealing with is the first step toward recovery, and seeking support from medical professionals, counselors or addiction specialists can provide a path to healing.
Complications From Use
Inhalants tend to interfere with the way a healthy brain functions. They can impair judgment, coordination and memory. Often, they cause dizziness, hallucinations and sudden unconsciousness. Even a single use can lead to long-term damage or sudden death, while persistent use is likely to cause some degree of impairment that persists beyond the immediate effects.
Inhalant use can lead to serious health problems. Some effects are immediate, while others develop over time. The dangers increase with continued use.
- Brain damage. Inhalants starve the brain of oxygen. This can cause cognitive impairment, memory loss and difficulty concentrating. Long-term use may lead to permanent brain damage.
- Heart problems. Certain inhalants disrupt heart rhythms. This can cause sudden cardiac arrest, even in first-time users. Chronic use may lead to long-term heart disease.
- Lung and organ damage. Repeated inhalant use damages the lungs, kidneys and liver. The chemicals in these substances are toxic to the body.
- Sudden death. Sudden sniffing death syndrome occurs when inhalants trigger fatal heart irregularities. Even a single use can be deadly.
Understanding the risks of chronic inhalant abuse can serve as a wake-up call. Seeing the effects of abuse on loved ones can also be a powerful motivator for change. Seeking substance abuse support for inhalant abuse can prevent serious health complications and help preserve your relationships.
Importance of Asking for Help
Addiction is tough, but recovery is possible. No one should have to fight inhalant addiction alone. Support from a local inhalant overdose hotline is key to overcoming addiction.
- Breaking the cycle. Many people try to quit on their own but relapse. Professional support provides the tools and guidance needed to make lasting changes.
- Improving health. Stopping inhalant use allows the body to heal. With time and proper care, many health complications can improve or reverse.
- Restoring relationships. Addiction often strains personal relationships. Seeking help can rebuild trust and strengthen connections with family and friends.
- Regaining control. Substance abuse can make life feel unmanageable. Getting help puts control back in your hands and opens the door to a healthier future.
If you or someone you love is struggling, now is the time to act. There’s no shame in asking for help. Taking that first step can lead to a life of sobriety and better health.
Inhalant Addiction Help Hotline
The road to recovery starts with one call, and the National Rehab Hotline is here to help. Compassionate professionals are available 24-7 to provide inhalant addiction help, offering free, confidential support at any time of day or night. Addiction doesn’t follow a schedule, and neither does the drug recovery helpline. Loved ones of those struggling with addiction can also call to better understand the challenges and learn how to provide support. No one should hesitate to reach out. Take the first step today by calling the National Rehab Hotline and beginning the journey to recovery. Help is just a phone call away.