Patients with a history of inhalant abuse who have had prolonged cognitive dysfunction lasting 6 weeks or longer should be referred for formal neuropsychological assessment using standardized psychometric tools. These tests are useful for assessing the extent of neurologic damage and determining the areas of the brain impacted by the inhalant injury. Neuropsychological assessments can be helpful in evaluating cognitive deficits, measuring the severity of neurologic vs psychiatric impairments, and making decisions regarding appropriate potential rehabilitation treatments. In addition, this type of assessment can be useful in determining whether the patient is a candidate for higher-level substance abuse treatments such as cognitive–behavioral and/or motivational enhancement therapies. Inhalant use shares characteristics with other substance use disorders because it intensely and directly stimulates the reinforcement and reward systems of your brain. When you’re dependent on a drug, everything else in your life can fall by the wayside.
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What are the Types of Inhalants?
The first step in recovering from inhalant addiction is to find treatment. You can choose residential rehab centers for intensive care or outpatient rehab for more flexibility. Inhalant abuse, often referred to as huffing, sniffing, or bagging, can rapidly alter one’s mood, much like alcohol. This occurs because aerosols, gases, and volatile solvents are depressants for the central nervous system. Trauma-informed care considers how trauma symptoms may influence a person’s addiction and recovery, guaranteeing a compassionate and effective treatment approach.
- Therapy sessions, group activities, and educational workshops are part of the comprehensive treatment plan.
- These substances are often found in common products like household cleaners, spray paint, and glue.
- The effects of inhalant addiction include severe neurological damage, such as memory loss and cognitive impairment.
- Prolonged use can lead to severe mood disorders, anxiety, hallucinations, and delusions.
They slow down the nervous system and make speaking properly difficult and remembering things difficult. Some may develop internal organ damage, hearing loss, and difficulty breathing due to lung damage. Counselling Collective is a platform dedicated to empowering individuals with knowledge and insights from psychology. Our team of professionals brings expertise from reputable institutions, ensuring reliable and insightful information.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Inhalant abuse can lead to serious health consequences, including damage to the brain, heart, liver, and other organs. It is important for individuals struggling with inhalant addiction to seek professional help to overcome this harmful and potentially deadly habit. The types of inhalant addiction include gasoline inhalation, nitrous oxide abuse, ether misuse, toluene-based substances, and butane huffing.
- Support groups and lifestyle modifications can also help support long-term recovery from inhalant use disorder.
- Abruptly stopping use of certain substances can cause severe withdrawal symptoms and be life threatening.
- This symptom often appears early in the disorder, especially during or immediately after inhalation.
Inhalant use disorder can have devastating effects, but recovery is possible with the right help. If you or someone you care about is struggling with inhalant abuse, now is the time to take action. Retreat of Broward in South Florida offers safe, supportive care and medically supervised detox.
How Does Inhalant Addiction Compare to Tobacco Addiction in Terms of Health Risks and Long-Term Effects?
Age is another significant risk factor, with adolescents being more susceptible to inhalant use. The developing brain of an adolescent is more vulnerable to the effects of substances, including inhalants, which can lead to quicker addiction and more severe long-term consequences. Adolescents are also more likely to engage in risky behaviors, such as experimenting with drugs, due to peer pressure and a desire for novelty. Inhalant addiction and tobacco addiction both pose significant health risks, but they affect the body in different ways. Inhalant addiction can lead to immediate and severe health issues such as brain damage, liver and kidney damage, and sudden sniffing death syndrome due to heart failure. Long-term use can result in chronic respiratory issues, cognitive impairments, and nerve damage.
A therapist can educate on ways family members can be there for the person with inhalant use disorder and offer support lovingly and healthily. No, inhalant abuse is not typically detected in standard drug tests because the volatile substances evaporate quickly from the body. However, some specialized testing techniques detect traces of these substances or their byproducts in blood or urine shortly after use. Gasoline addiction involves the intentional inhalation of gasoline vapors to achieve a euphoric high. Prolonged use leads to brain damage, kidney failure, and respiratory issues. Withdrawal symptoms of gasoline addiction include nausea, headaches, and irritability.
Anxiety
Medications such as benzodiazepines can help alleviate anxiety and seizures during the detoxification process. Naltrexone may be prescribed to reduce cravings and prevent relapse by blocking the effects of inhalants. Inhalant addiction can have detrimental inhalant use disorder: what it is, symptoms and treatment effects on health, leading to conditions such as brain damage, cardiac issues, and damage to the central nervous system.
Trauma-Informed Care
The authors recommended that more studies investigate the effects of inhalants and treatment modalities to give healthcare professionals a clearer path to evidence-based care. Inhalant use can have devastating effects on your health and well-being, leading to complex withdrawal symptoms and long-term consequences. At The Edge Treatment Center, we understand the intricacies of inhalant addiction and offer comprehensive, evidence-based treatments to support your journey to recovery. Inpatient care provides intensive treatment for inhalant addiction in a residential setting.
It’s also important to note that medication alone is not usually sufficient for treating inhalant addiction. Treatment for inhalant use disorder may be a combination of psychotherapy, medication, and strong community support. Motivational interviewing inspires individuals to discover personal motivations for embracing healthier lifestyles and overcoming addiction. Group therapy sessions provide a supportive space for sharing experiences and mutual encouragement among those facing addiction.
Whippits are small metal cartridges containing nitrous oxide that are designed for use in whipped cream dispensers. While intended for culinary purposes, these cartridges are frequently misused as inhalants to experience short-term euphoric effects and light-headedness. Chronic inhalant abuse can lead to irreversible damage to vital organs, including the brain, lungs, kidneys, and liver, affecting overall health and functionality. The lungs often suffer first since inhalants must travel through their small branches before reaching the blood. Some people may start using inhalants recreationally, but they may soon find that they can’t go without them. They may start having cravings and withdrawals when they can’t get their drugs.
Psychological Impact
They are typically sniffed directly from the container or sprayed into a bag before inhalation. Establishing a strong support network through aftercare is crucial in preventing relapse and maintaining long-term recovery from inhalant addiction. By staying connected with peers who understand your journey, seeking professional guidance when needed, and practicing healthy coping mechanisms, you can build a solid foundation for a substance-free life. In addition to CBT, family therapy can be beneficial for building a solid support team to help the individual experiencing addiction.
