What is Inhalant Abuse

 When children and teenagers begin acting oddly, parents can worry about drug or alcohol abuse. Although drugs and alcohol are a concern, parents also need to realize that inhalant abuse is a potential problem. By understanding what it is, signs of abuse and the potential dangers, it is possible to reach out to Best Drug Rehabilitation for help when suspicions about a loved one arise.

Basic Definition

Inhalant abuse is a term used to describe the act of breathing in or inhaling chemicals to get high. Although the chemicals are not an illegal substance, they are also not safe to inhale and can cause serious reactions. In the case of inhalant abuse, the common methods of reaching the high include soaking a rag with the chemical and breathing it in, spraying the chemical into a bag before breathing it in or spraying the chemical directly into the nose or mouth. All of the methods are potentially dangerous and can cause serious reactions.

Although the basic definition of the act is breathing in the fumes of a chemical, it is easy to overlook the potential dangers. Unlike many other drugs, inhalants are legally accessible and are commonly found in households. Any chemical cleaner, permanent marker, glue, paint or similar item can become a potential concern if children or teenagers begin using it as a recreational high.

The problem with inhalant abuse is that it can occur at any time and so many household products have the potential for abuse.

Potential Inhalants

Although inhalants can take many forms, certain types are more commonly abused than others. Part of the abuse relates to accessibility and part of it relates to the supposed high that is expected while abusing the chemical.

The types of household items and chemicals that are often inhaled and abused include:

·         Aerosols, which are chemical sprays like hairspray, spray-on deodorant and air fresheners.

·         Solvents, which are liquid chemicals that produce vapors after leaving the bottle, such as paint thinner, correction fluid, ink in felt-tipped markers and certain glues.

·         Gases, which are chemicals found in lighters, whipped cream dispensers and refrigerant.

Although the chemicals that are abused can take on many different forms, the way the material gets into the system is by breathing it in. Since it comes into the system by breathing, it will hit the central nervous system and the blood stream very quickly.

Dangers of Inhalant Abuse

Inhalant abuse is a very dangerous activity because the chemicals can have negative impacts on the body and mind. Although the specific dangers can vary slightly based on the chemical, the amount of time the chemical was breathed in and the individual, certain elements are a primary worry for many parents and substance abuse professionals.

The dangers of inhalant abuse include:

·         Dizziness

·         Loss of the ability to coordinate limbs

·         Difficulty speaking

·         Hallucinations

·         Heart palpitations

·         Heart failure

·         Kidney damage

·         Seizures

·         Death

Even if the inhalant abuse is occurring for the first time, it can cause potentially dangerous and deadly effects. If a loved one is abusing inhalants or is showing risks related to inhalant abuse, then it is important to seek help as soon as possible. Inhalant abuse is a potentially deadly activity and it can lead to serious physical and psychological problems if measures are not taken to stop the abuse.

Getting Help

Although inhalant abuse is a concern, it is possible to overcome the problem with the help of Best Drug Rehabilitation. The professionals at the facility understand the potential problems that can develop after abusing inhalants and the appropriate methods of overcoming the substance abuse before it leads to more dangerous situations.

Seeking help is an important part of overcoming any addiction or substance abuse problem. Since inhalant abuse uses common items, it is particularly important to reach out for help and find different ways to cope with emotions, psychological challenges or pressure from peers.

Substance abuse can take many forms, including the abuse of common household items. By recognizing the dangers and understanding the basics, it is possible to stop the abuse before it leaves lasting results. With the help of professionals and a personalized treatment plan, living a normal lifestyle without substance abuse is possible.