Learn about the Dangers of Inhalant Addiction
Understanding the dangers of inhalant addiction and why you should start in Raleigh rehab facilities for drug addiction.
What Are Inhalants? Inhalants refers to the vapors produced by toxic substances, used to achieve a quick high. There are thousands of household and industrial products that are used as inhalants. Products such as glue, gasoline, lighter fluid, spray paint, cleaning products and paint thinners are among some of the most commonly used inhalants. Most inhalants produce the effects similar to medical anesthetics due to their ability to slow down the functioning of one's body. The use of inhalants typically produces a loss of inhibition, which also leads to drowsiness, light-headedness, and agitation. Inhalants are rapidly absorbed into the lungs, which almost instantly reaches the bloodstream and the brain, as well as other organs. The use of inhalants can cause irreversible and long lasting damage to one's physical and mental health. People commonly abuse inhalants by inhaling the vapors directly from the product, breathing fumes from rags soaked in chemicals, spraying the product directly in the mouth or nose, or inhaling fumes from the inside of a paper bag.
Types of Inhalants
Inhalants are typically categorized in four categories:
- Liquids: these types of inhalants vaporize at room temperature. Liquid inhalants generally include household and industrial products such as paint thinners, gasoline, various types of glue, correction fluids (White-Out and felt-tip marker fluids.)
- Sprays: theses types of inhalants typically include products such as spray paint, deodorant spray, hair spray, oil-based cooking spray, and fabric protector sprays
- Gases: these types of inhalants typically include products such as chloroform, either, nitrous oxide, butane lighters, propane tanks, whipped cream dispensers and refrigerants
- Nitrites: Nitrites are chemical compounds typically found in food preservatives, leather cleaners, and room deodorizers. These are a unique class of inhalants due to their ability to act directly on the central nervous system, brain, and spinal cord. These class of inhalants are most commonly used as sexual enhancers.
Dangers of Inhalant Addiction
An inhalant addiction is characterized by loss of control over one's use of inhalants. Individuals who are addicted to inhalants continue to use the drug despite knowing the dangers associated with their use. Similar to the use of any other drug, the use of inhalants is very dangerous and can be deadly. The short term effects of inhalants include:
- Headaches
- Weakened muscles
- Abdominal pain
- Severe mood swings
- Slurred and slowed speech
- Nausea
- Exhibiting violent behaviors
- Tingling hands and feet
- Dizziness
- Impaired judgment
- Lethargy and fatigue
- Hallucinations
Long term effects of inhalants include:
- Changes in weight
- Inattentiveness
- Irritability
- Depression
- Muscle weakness
- Disorientation
- Lack of motor coordination
Inhaling substances can also cause irreversible health issues such as loss of hearing, limb spasms, and bone marrow and central nervous system damage. If you or a loved one are currently at risk of inhalant abuse, we strongly recommend enrolling in our Raleigh addiction facilities to receive comprehensive treatment.
Is It Legal To Use Inhalants?
Despite their dangerous nature, inhalants are not regulated under the Controlled Substances Act. However, as a means to combat against inhalant abuse and addiction, thirty-eight U.S. states have restrictions set in place for the sale and distribution of certain commonly abused inhalants to individuals under 18. Some states also impose fines, incarceration and/or mandatory treatment for those who sell, distribute, and/or use inhalants.
Get Started In Our Raleigh Rehab Facilities for Drug Addiction Today
If you or your loved one are currently suffering from inhalant addiction or abuse, now is the time to seek professional help. Our Raleigh addiction facilities specializes in treating a variety of drug addictions, including inhalant addiction. We can assure you a successful recovery with the help of one of our individualized treatment plans. To get yourself or your loved one help finding rehab centers, call our 24/7 helpline now at 919-424-5711.
Sources:
http://www.drugfreeworld.org/drugfacts/inhalants.html
http://www.consumered.org/learn/inhalant-abuse/dangers-effects