Inhalant abuse affects millions of Americans every year, including children and adolescents. The widespread accessibility of inhalants—from glues and whippet canisters to cleaning fluids—poses a significant challenge, mainly because these substances aren’t regulated. This combination makes inhalant abuse a deeply concerning issue. If you or someone you care about is using inhalants, look into substance abuse treatment programs.
The Right Step Houston offers evidence-based treatment for people struggling with inhalant abuse or addiction. The effects of inhalants on brain structures can leave lasting effects. Let our professional staff help you or your loved one leave inhalants behind. Call 1.844.768.0169 to get started.
What Are the Commonly Abused Inhalants?
Inhalant fumes are breathed in, also referred to as “huffing.” They flood the brain by replacing the oxygen molecules in the blood. People can abuse hundreds of everyday products at home, schools, and work to create a quick head rush. They include such things as:
- Permanent markers
- Rubber cement
- Oven cleaner
- Spray paint
- Paint thinner
- Nail polish remover
- Gasoline
- Correction fluid
- Hairspray
- Model glue
- Lighter fluid
- Kerosene
- Cooking spray
- Whippet gas
- Galaxy Gas and other nitrous oxide chargers
Though just a partial list, the above gives an idea of how ordinary and everyday the products are that can be abused and lead to serious side effects and addiction.
What Are the Signs of Inhalant Abuse?
Recognizing the warning signs of inhalant abuse can be crucial when someone is misusing products to get high by inhaling them. Here are some key indicators to watch out for:
- A collection of empty items like whippets, spray paint cans, nail polish remover bottles, or similar products
- A chemical odor lingering on clothes, skin, or breath
- Frequent nosebleeds or a persistently runny nose
- Red, watery eyes
- Slurred or slowed speech
- Unexplained loss of appetite
- Persistent fatigue
- Recurring stomach issues
- A noticeable drop in school or work performance
- A shift to a new friend group
- Disorientation or confusion
- Difficulty with coordination
- Signs of depression or mood swings
- Increased hostility or aggression
These signs might indicate inhalant abuse, but they could also relate to other substance use disorders (SUDs) or unrelated issues. Trust your instincts—if you suspect someone you care about may be struggling with inhalant abuse, consider starting a conversation or gathering more information. Early intervention can make all the difference.
What Are the Long-Term Effects of Chronic Inhalant Use?
Inhalants are unregulated, and when people abuse them, there are no protections, guidelines, or guarantees. Body weight, age, and other factors can affect how intense the high will be and the severity of potential health effects. Huffing fumes deprives the body of the oxygen it needs to function. A lack of oxygen in the body can cause unconsciousness, brain damage, and, in some cases, sudden death.
Other health effects of inhalant abuse include:
- Loss of coordination
- Loss of body control, including falls
- Dizziness or vertigo
- Spasms or tremors in the extremities
- Developmental delays in children and teens
- Liver damage
- Kidney damage
- Paranoia
- Hallucinations
Because inhalants stimulate the brain’s reward centers, their use can quickly become habitual. They’re also commonly used by children as young as eight or nine. They’re cheap and readily available. Growing brains are more vulnerable to any substance that interferes with their working, so the risk of permanent damage is significant.
Enroll in a Substance Abuse Treatment Program at The Right Step Houston Today
The Right Step Houston offers supervised detox and residential and outpatient rehab programs. For those who want single-gender options, we offer both women’s and men’s rehab programs. Evidence-based therapies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and dual diagnosis treatment for co-occurring disorders are available in all our programs.
If you’re ready to get help for inhalant abuse or to talk to one of our staff about someone you’re worried about, complete our online contact form to connect or call 1.844.768.0169.