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Inhalant Addiction

Inhalant abuse, commonly called huffing, is the purposeful inhalation of chemical vapors to achieve an altered mental or physical state, which for most addicts is a euphoric effect similar to drug use. Abusers inhale vapors emitted from a wide range of substances. In fact, chemical vapors used as inhalants can be found in over 1,000 common household products. There are several general categories for substances that may be used as inhalants:

Volatile solvents are liquids that vaporize at room temperature if left in unsealed containers. Sniffing paint thinner, gasoline, correction fluid, felt-tip markers, nail polish and remover, and glue (such as rubber cement) all contain volatile solvents and are abused by inhalant addicts.

Aerosols are sprays that contain propellants and solvents such as toluene–one of the most common solvents found in aerosols. Common aerosols include paint, deodorant, hair products, cooking products, and fabric protector. Silver and gold spray paint are particularly popular among inhalant abusers.

Gases are substances that lack definite shape or volume such as refrigerants and medical anesthetics. Abusers frequently inhale gases found in butane lighters, air conditioning units, and propane tanks. Medical anesthetics such as ether, chloroform, and nitrous oxide are also abused. Nitrous oxide, commonly called laughing gas, is abused more frequently than any other gas. It can be obtained from whipped cream dispensers or products that boost octane levels in racing cars. It may also be purchased in balloons or in small, sealed vials called whippets, which are sold at raves or drug paraphernalia stores.

Nitrites are a group of chemicals including cyclohexyl nitrite, amyl nitrite, and butyl nitrite. Nitrites are used mainly to enhance sexual experiences rather than to achieve a euphoric effect. Cyclohexyl nitrite is found in room deodorizers. Amyl nitrite comes in small, mesh-covered, sealed capsules that are popped or snapped in order to release the vapors. Because of this popping or snapping, these capsules are frequently called poppers or snappers. Butyl nitrite is often sold in small bottles that, like amyl nitrite capsules, are referred to as poppers.

How Inhalant Abuse Affects the Body

Chronic inhalant abuse may result in serious and sometimes irreversible damage to the user’s heart, liver, kidneys, lungs, and brain. Brain damage is one of the symptoms of inhalant abuse resulting in personality changes, diminished cognitive functioning, memory impairment, and slurred speech.

Death from inhalant abuse can be a side effect that can occur after a single use or after prolonged use. Sudden sniffing death (SSD) may result within minutes of inhalant abuse from irregular heart rhythm leading to heart failure. Other causes of death and overdose include asphyxiation, aspiration, or suffocation. A user who is suffering from impaired judgment may also experience fatal injuries from motor vehicle accidents or sudden falls. Considering all the dangers of inhalant abuse an immediate intervention must be considered if inhalant abuse is suspected

Withdrawal, Detox, Treatment and Rehabilitation for Inhalant Abuse

Inhalant treatment commonly involves admission to addiction treatment centers that specialize in inhalant addiction recovery. The symptoms associated with withdrawal from these addictive substances are usually managed through treatment with medications to prevent seizures or convulsions and to manage mood swings and feelings such as anxiety, agitation, irritability or depression. In many cases, a psychiatric evaluation may be ordered to rule out a presenting disorder or allow a psychiatrist to treat any disorders.