August 2023

Steeped in the 12-step philosophy and community, Shannon enthusiastically educates clients, especially newcomers in recovery, on the simple model and its transformative ways to a new life in sobriety. For people who are pregnant, huffing paint can cause physical malformations and developmental damage in the fetus. The percentage of these people that specifically huff paint is unknown; however, spray paint is one of the most popular substances to be inhaled. As toluene is the active chemical in paint, it causes an intense euphoric rush, according to Medscape, which accounts for the popularity of paint as an inhalant of abuse. From reports, silver and gold paints contain the highest levels of this chemical. Inhalant abuse is most common among children and youths who do not have the means to obtain other types of drugs.

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The short-lived effects of inhalants may lead people to incorrectly assume that these substances aren’t that dangerous. Many individuals also feel inhalants aren’t that dangerous because they can be easily found around the house. Inhalants can cause heart failure and respiratory distress, which could result in a fatal overdose even with the first use.

• However, many household chemicals you use daily can be dangerous when people misuse them.
• A teen with a history of Inhalant abuse may be struggling with an underlying disorder that could be effectively addressed through treatment and rehab.
• Some examples of permanent damage caused by inhalant use include damage to the heart, liver, kidneys, lungs, and brain, including permanent death of brain cells, resulting in memory loss and difficulty obtaining new knowledge.
• The person who is huffing may frequent hardware supply stores or have empty paint cans in their car or garage.
• Two or more of the 11 symptoms of a substance use disorder as outlined by the DSM must be present in order to diagnose the condition.
• All of the information on this page has been reviewed and verified by a certified addiction professional.

Huffing Inhalants

Our drug detox center in Charlotte, NC allows signs of huffing patients to purge their bodies of the toxins that have accumulated as a result of ongoing drug abuse. In order to ensure each individual’s safety and success during the withdrawal period, it is important that the detox process is monitored and treated in a medically supervised setting. Our drug detox in Charlotte, NC if fully staffed with expert clinicians who are dedicated to making this process as safe and comfortable as possible. Treatment for an addiction to inhalants may include behavioral therapy, support groups, 12-step programs, or inpatient rehabilitation programs. The type of treatment that is appropriate for each individual depends on the extent of their addiction and any underlying mental conditions.

The Dangers Of Inhalants

In addition, to being a certified Addictions Counselor, Erin is a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS), and a Registered Peer Supervisor (RPS). While physical dependence on inhalants is relatively rare, psychological dependence is more common, leading users to seek more frequent or intense use. Various people use inhalants, but the age group that abuses them the most is teenagers between 14 and 15 – mostly because inhalants are widely available in homes and local stores. Most people in this age group start misusing inhalants and huffing for experimentation.

Recognizing the Signs of Huffing Inhalants

• Dr. Johnson-Arbor also underscores the importance of knowing the warning signs of inhalant abuse.
• Users breathe in the vapors of the toxic chemicals through their nose or mouth.
• Our programs offer treatment options ranging from detox to aftercare—and everything in between.
• Prior to her role in crisis intervention, Melissa worked extensively in the substance abuse and dual diagnoses treatment field.
• There are many other signs and symptoms, so, if you’re worried but your loved one’s symptoms don’t exactly match the ones we’ve outlined here, that doesn’t mean that they aren’t dealing with an addiction.
• The effect on the central nervous system can cause instant respiratory arrest, hypoxia-lack of oxygen to the brain, and heart stoppage in several ways.

In some cases, teens who abused inhalants may go on to experiment with other, more dangerous drugs. This is due to inhalants being very dangerous, causing long-term permanent effects. There is a potential for abuse, as well as for injuring oneself during a black out. Inhalants are just as dangerous as many other drugs, they are just less commonly talked about. A teen with a history of Inhalant abuse may be struggling with an underlying disorder that could be effectively addressed through treatment and rehab. In addition to the title of Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, Kevin is also licensed by the state of Maryland as a Clinical Drug and Alcohol Counselor.

Inhalant users report symptoms similar to alcohol use, with side effects of huffing including feelings of euphoria, lowered inhibitions, and dizziness. Inhalants are the term used for certain kinds of aerosols when they are used as a drug. A lot of inhalants aren’t typically thought of as drugs because that’s not the primary reason they’re bought. Generally, inhalants are used for other practical purposes, which unfortunately can make them extremely easy for even very young teenagers to get ahold of them. Amanda Stevens is a highly respected figure in the field of medicalcontent writing, with a specific focus on eating disorders andaddiction treatment. Amanda earned a Bachelor of Science degreein Social Work from Purdue University, graduating Magna CumLaude, which serves as a strong educational foundation for hercontributions.

Sudden sniffing death syndrome has become a fear among parents of younger children and teens as the reality of this possibility grows. Inhalant abuse is also much more common among children and teens who have been physically or sexually abused, neglected, homeless, or hungry. If caught in time, your children will be able to live long, productive, normal lives without SUDs or long-term damage.