Am I Addicted to Inhalants?
Cleaning supplies, glue, paint. To most people these are everyday household objects. But to people who are addicted to inhaling these substances, they are just as dangerous as any drug. While these items are generally stored in a closet, without much thought given to them until they are needed, people who have a craving for huffing can’t get through a day without them and compulsively inhale them to get a high. If this sounds like you, it’s worth asking yourself: Am I addicted to inhalants?
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Inhalant Addiction Facts
The use of inhalants is a pervasive problem in America that cuts across all age groups. About 21.7 million people in the United States admit to huffing at least once in their lives, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. Inhalants are an exceptionally insidious category of drugs, because they are easily available in stores and readily accessible in homes. What’s worse is that inhalants can trigger an immediate high that doesn’t last long, which means people may engage in repeated bouts of huffing to get the feeling they crave.
There are many ways inhalants can be ingested aside from breathing in fumes emitted by the substance. Users may also spray aerosols into their mouth or nose or huff them from a rag that is put in the mouth. Once the inhalants enter the bloodstream, they can create a high by relaxing the blood vessels and the central nervous system. Excitement produced by the initial rush can then lead to a feeling of sleepiness or lack of control.
Of course, because these common household items aren’t meant to be used in this way, inhalants can lead to a variety of health problems such as lack of oxygen, arrhythmia, or organ damage. Addiction to inhalants can also lead to problems in relationships with friends and family, school, or work. Inhalants are incredibly destructive and
Inhalant Addiction Symptoms
As you continue to use inhalants, your body and brain will develop a tolerance towards the substances. That means you will need to use them more often and in stronger doses to get the same high you used to get. That tolerance can eventually become dependence, which can spiral into addiction. There are several inhalant addiction symptoms that are warning signs that you should get treatment:
- Lack of judgement
- Lightheadedness or dizziness that can move into delirium
- Nausea or vomiting
- Fatigue
- Poor reflexes and coordination of movement
- Difficulty with speech
- Weak muscles
- Feeling overheated
- Mood swings
- Anger
- Compulsive, almost habitual use of inhalants
- Hearing loss
- Loss of oxygen to the brain
Inhalant Addiction Self-Assessment
The use of inhalants isn’t just debilitating for the body and the brain—these solvents may also make you more likely to abuse other substances, which can pose many other health issues. Inhalants may seem less harmful compared to illegal drugs because they are commonly used household items, but they can still wreak havoc with your health and well-being. If you are asking yourself, “Am I addicted to inhalants?” you should take our free and confidential assessment on inhalant addiction. If you believe that you are grappling with a dependency on inhalants, it is vital to get professional help as soon as possible. If you are ready to seek treatment or need answers to your questions, contact Sheer Recovery today to break the grip inhalants may have on your life.