Inhalant Abuse Signs, Symptoms, & Treatment

Symptoms Of Inhalant Abuse 

Effects produced by inhalants tend to be very short.  Due to this, people will often use them repeatedly over a short period to make the feeling last longer.  The longer and more often you use inhalants, the greater the risk of developing adverse side effects and addictive tendencies. 

Symptoms of inhalant use can range from mild to severe.  These symptoms can often be short-term and resolve on their own.  But with repeated use, symptoms can lead to long-lasting or permanent effects on the mind and body, potentially leading to death. 

Common Inhalant Withdrawal Symptoms 

Symptoms of inhalant withdrawal are usually mild, though they can be severe in some cases.  Typical withdrawal symptoms are more psychological than physical.  However, since inhalants are central nervous system suppressants, stopping use can lead to unpleasant physical symptoms.  The most common of these symptoms are headache, anxiety, nausea, and cravings. In addition, people suffering from more severe addictions may experience the following withdrawal symptoms:  

What Is Sudden Sniffing Death Syndrome (SSD)?

Sudden sniffing death syndrome (SSD) occurs from inhalant use, leading to cardiac arrest or heart failure.  This can happen the first time a person tries inhalants or any time after that.  Young people are the most common users of inhalants and are therefore the most at risk of experiencing SSD. 

Methods for inhaling fumes that can lead to sudden sniffing death syndrome include:

• Sniffing or inhaling straight from the container 
• Huffing (by soaking a rag in the inhalant) 
• Bagging (by inhaling fumes sprayed into a plastic bag) 
• Whippits (using a unique canister or balloon to inhale nitrous oxide)
• Spraying aerosol sprays directly into the nose or mouth 

What Causes Sudden Sniffing Death Syndrome?

Most deaths caused by sudden sniffing death syndrome are due to cardiac arrest caused by lack of oxygen.  The heart needs oxygen to function correctly; many inhalants inhibit this from happening.  Most deaths caused by sudden sniffing death syndrome are due to cardiac arrest caused by lack of oxygen.  The heart needs oxygen to function correctly; many inhalants inhibit this from happening. 

Negative Affects of Inhalant Abuse on the Body

Most inhalants act directly on the nervous system to produce specific effects on the mind and body.  Inhalant abuse can cause extreme harm to the brain, liver, kidneys, heart, and other vital organs in the body.  The damage can be permanent and, in some cases, fatal. 

Are Inhalants Addictive?

Inhalants have the potential to become very addictive.  As a result, people who use inhalants can develop both psychological and physical dependence on them.  This can happen relatively quickly or over a more extended period.  Addiction to inhalants is severe and should not be treated lightly.  However, inhalants are typically less addictive than many other drugs, including opioids, benzodiazepines, and other narcotics. 

Negative Affects of Inhalant Abuse on the Brain

Over time, chemicals found in inhalants wear down the protective sheath of the brain.  This can cause loss of brain tissue and permanent brain damage.  It is also why the risk of adverse side effects increases with the increasing usage of inhalants.  Some potential adverse effects that inhalants can have on the brain include:

How Dangerous is Sudden Sniffing Death Syndrome?

Sudden sniffing death syndrome is hazardous. As implied in the name, this syndrome is typically fatal if experienced. Unfortunately, this can happen very quickly and without warning, whether it is a person’s first time trying inhalants or if they have been abusing these substances for years. Sudden sniffing death syndrome is so dangerous because of the lack of oxygen it causes in the bloodstream. This can lead to death so quickly and suddenly that an affected person may still hold the can in their hand when their heart stops. Any time you use inhalants, you are essentially taking a chance with your life.

Can You Prevent Sudden Sniffing Death Syndrome? 

The only natural way to prevent sudden sniffing death syndrome is by not using inhalants in any way. Unlike many other forms of drugs, there is no “safe” amount of inhalants to take. These chemicals are not meant to be used for this purpose. However, this should not take inhalants lightly. Young people with greater self-esteem and self-assurance are less likely to use inhalants.

Therefore, it should target prevention efforts at raising children’s self-esteem, self-worth, and self-image while making them aware of the risk that sudden sniffing death syndrome poses from inhalant use. Parents should also talk to their children about the danger of using inhalants. Since the necessary ingredients for creating inhalants are present in almost every home, it is essential to deter the substance use of these everyday items.

We Level Up Treatment Center provides world-class care with round-the-clock medical professionals available to help you cope.  We work as an integrated team providing support through inhalant abuse and other aspects of treatment.  Make this your opportunity to reclaim your life.  Call today to speak with one of our treatment specialists.  Our specialists know what you are going through and will answer any of your questions.

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