Inhalants may not be as addictive as other drugs like opioids, but their accessibility due to their nature as cleaning products and other household items means that more people can abuse them and develop addictions. Though some may think abusing inhalants isn’t dangerous because of their relatively short high, overdosing is possible and can damage your brain permanently. If you’re concerned about yourself or your loved one’s addiction, you can turn to our Las Vegas facility for inhalant addiction treatment. At The Nestled Recovery Center, we offer a luxurious oasis in Nevada where people struggling with drug addiction can clear their minds and make way for wellness and healthier ways of coping.
What Are Inhalants & Why Are They Addictive?
Inhalants are a class of drugs that include any substance that produces vapors or fumes that can be inhaled. While other drugs can be sniffed or “huffed,” inhalants refer specifically to substances that can only be inhaled to achieve a high or intoxicating effect. This can leave a person feeling drunk and other pleasant feelings, and many are drawn to them because of how quickly the high sinks in.
One of the main dangers of inhalants is that they’re more accessible than other drugs. While opioids like fentanyl are often prescribed and other drugs are purchased illegally off the street, inhalants can be found at grocery stores, home improvement shops, and even under your sink among your cleaning products.
Whether you are addicted to paint thinners or aerosol sprays, our team has the knowledge, resources, and compassion needed to help you heal. Contact our oasis today in Nevada at (702) 299-6406, or fill out our online form.
What Are The Different Types Of Inhalants That Can Be Abused?
Many people abuse inhalants by sniffing, huffing, or bagging them, the latter of which refers to placing the inhalant into a paper or plastic bag and inhaling its contents. Sometimes they can be sprayed directly into the mouth or nose. These are the different categories of Inhalants that are commonly abused:
Aerosols:
One of the more popular types of inhalants, aerosols describe bottles and cans containing propellants and solvents. Some examples include spray paints, hair and deodorant sprays, fabric protector sprays, and vegetable oil sprays used for cooking.
Gases:
These inhalants can be found in both residential products as well as in medical situations. Nitrous oxide is the most well-known and abused gas and is used as anesthesia, also known as laughing gas. Others include ether, chloroform, butane lighters, whipped cream cans, and halothane.
Nitrites:
These inhalants are more commonly abused to enhance sexual experiences, rather than to get high. Some nitrite substances include room deodorizers, video head cleaners, and leather cleaners, also known as shoeshine.
Volatile solvents:
These inhalants describe liquids that can become gaseous when they reach room temperature. Some examples include felt-tip markers, glue, gasoline, nail polish remover, paint thinner, and dry cleaning fluids.
What Are The Adverse Health Effects of Inhalant Abuse?
Regularly abusing inhalants can cause a wide range of serious and potentially fatal health problems, including:
- Central nervous system damage
- Liver, kidney, and lung damage
- Weakened immune system
- Seizures and spasms
- Heart rhythm changes
- Impaired coordination
- Lowered cognitive function
- Memory problems
- Impaired vision
- Coma
How Can You Tell if Someone is Using Inhalants?
Concerned about whether a loved one is abusing inhalants? It can sometimes be hard to tell whether someone is addicted to inhalants because the signs of abuse are often more subtle than other drugs, especially when only a small amount of an inhalant is needed to get high.
Signs Of Inhalant Abuse
There are some signs that may indicate a person is abusing inhalants. Some of these include:
- Stains on the clothes or skin
- Hidden rags that smell of chemicals
- Supply of empty containers or other products
- Swelling of lips
- Dryness or infection around the mouth or nose, commonly referred to as “huffer’s rash”
There are some behavioral signs to watch out for, too. If someone is slurring their speech, extremely excited or energetic, or dizzy, they may be feeling the effects of inhalation abuse.
Why Inhalant Addiction Requires Professional Treatment
Inhalant addiction, like any drug addiction, requires professional treatment to not only rid the body of toxins, but learn new skills and tools to cope with the daily stressors and triggers of life. Though inhalants may not seem risky, around 200 people die from inhalant complications every year, and overdose is a possibility that can be fatal because of the way inhalants act on the brain.
To avoid damage to your nerve cells or to deal with the uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms you may face, call The Nestled Recovery Center. From detox to rehab to therapy, we have trusted and proven methods to treat inhalant addiction so you no longer have to rely on drug abuse to get you through the day. Picking up the phone and calling us today might be what saves you from causing permanent damage to your brain and body—and your future.
Final Thoughts On Inhalant Addiction
Inhalant addiction is a serious medical condition that requires professional treatment. If you or someone you know is struggling with inhalant addiction, please contact The Nestled Recovery to receive help for your addiction. With the help of our experienced professionals, you can overcome inhalant addiction and reclaim your life.
Reclaim your life and work towards the bright future you deserve. Call our Las Vegas facility today to learn about how we treat inhalant addiction at (702) 299-6406. Our 10-bed facility allows us to give you our undivided attention and care.
