Inhalant abuse, also referred to as “huffing” or “sniffing,” is an extremely dangerous habit of inhaling chemical gases to get high. It’s very easy to overdose on inhalants, and it’s critical to receive professional drug abuse treatment before it’s too late. At Del Arroyo Recovery Center in Agoura Hills, CA, our inhalant addiction treatment programs save lives and build a foundation for lasting sobriety.
Inhalant Abuse Is a Life-Threatening Issue
Inhalants are chemicals that are inhaled through the nose and/or mouth to induce euphoria. Different inhalants have unique risks and withdrawal symptoms, but all of them can cause severe harm. Vapors like those from solvents can burn sinus and lung tissues, and a lack of oxygen in the lungs can cause the person to suffocate. Inhalant drug use can also cause severe brain damage, leading to seizures or coma as the central nervous system shuts down.
One reason huffing is such a serious problem is that the toxic chemicals being inhaled are often not illegal. Many of these inhalants are common household products with other uses, which make them easier to acquire than illegal drugs. It also makes them more accessible to young people, making inhalant abuse especially popular among adolescents and young adults.
Commonly Abused Inhalants
Examples of commonly abused inhalants include:
- Aerosol sprays
- Spray paint
- Hair spray
- Cooking sprays
- Volatile solvents
- Paint thinner
- Nail polish remover
- Gasoline
- Glue
- Correction fluid (“Wite Out”)
Other Abused Inhalants
- Gases
- Butane lighters
- Medical anesthetics like nitrous oxide (“laughing gas”), ether and chloroform
- Gas from whipped cream cans, sometimes called “whippets”
- Compressed air (“duster”)
- Nitrites (a.k.a. “poppers,” sexual enhancers that dilate blood vessels)
- Amyl nitrite
- Butyl nitrite
Symptoms of Inhalant Abuse
Potential signs and symptoms of inhalant addiction include:
- Slurred speech
- Slow, uncoordinated movement
- Temporary euphoria
- Agitation
- Abnormal heart rate (nitrites usually increase it)
- Sleeping more than usual
- Headaches
- Buying lots of inhalant products (like paint or paint thinner with no apparent use)
- Weight loss and reduced appetite
- Behavioral changes, such as becoming more aloof and disinterested
- Difficulty keeping a job or meeting responsibilities
- Declining mental health
Sudden overdose and permanent damage can happen so easily with inhalant abuse, even if it’s just one time. Huffing is like a game of Russian roulette, especially for developing teens and vulnerable individuals. Getting help for substance abuse immediately is absolutely critical to staying alive.
Our Unique, Effective Approach to Inhalant Addiction Treatment
At our Agoura Hills substance abuse rehab, we provide specialized, compassionate care that’s personally tailored to each client. Our holistic treatment approach tackles inhalant abuse from all angles, treating both the drug addiction and the person’s mental health and wellness.
Our professional staff of trained drug addiction specialists uses a variety of evidence-based methods to achieve real change. We have drug abuse treatment plans for all kinds of clients, whether they need detox and inpatient programs or are better suited to an outpatient program. We use therapy and wellness practices to treat the whole individual, setting them up for success in all areas of life.
If you have an addiction to inhalants, let our Los Angeles clinicians step in and help before it’s too late. Even if you live long enough to experience the long-term effects of inhalant drug use, you’ll face issues like poor blood flow, hearing loss, memory problems, central nervous system issues, heart and lung damage and a possible increased risk of leukemia.
Drug Addiction Treatment Options at Our Los Angeles Area Rehab
We give individuals struggling with addiction a variety of support, including:
- Medical detox: A clinically guided detox program to ease withdrawal symptoms and minimize health risks
- Group and individual psychotherapy: Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), motivational enhancement, etc.
- Dual diagnosis care: Treatment for both drug abuse and co-occurring mental health disorders (depression, anxiety, PTSD, adhd, bipolar disorder, etc.)
- Alumni program and aftercare: Ongoing group meetings, relapse prevention, and more to help graduates maintain sobriety
Get Help for Inhalant Addiction in Agoura Hills, CA
If you or someone you love are addicted to inhalants, you need to seek professional help right now. Enrolling in our Los Angeles area programs is easy. Contact our admissions department today to discuss your situation, explore drug abuse treatment possibilities, and talk about your financial options.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapists in Agoura Hills, CA
Contact us today to learn more about our Los Angeles-area individualized addiction treatment programs and explore your options.