Knowing The Truth About Inhalants Addiction

Inhalants are substances that are capable of producing chemicals in the brain that changes moods. There are different types of substances found in our home that can be inhaled. Many of us don’t think of these products as drugs because they were never meant to be used to achieve an abusive effect.

Throughout history, substances that have the potential to alter mood were abused. In the last years of the 18th century, chloroform, ether, and oxide were discovered. Abuse of inhalants began when these substances were invented. Today, inhalants have evolved in several forms.

Common inhalants abused are volatile chemicals such as paint thinners or removers, degreasers, dry-cleaning fluids, gasoline, and glue, volatile solvents like spray paints, hair or deodorant sprays, fabric protector sprays, aerosol computer cleaning products, and vegetable oil sprays, gases including butane lighters and propane tanks, whipping cream aerosols or dispensers (whippets), and refrigerant gases and medical anesthetic gases. One national survey reveals that about 3.0% of U.S. children have tried inhalants by the time they reach 4th grade. Sadly these children develop abuse throughout their lifespan. The statistics is alarming.

Inhalants are very accessible to young people. Their desire to try different experiences might lead them to inhalant addiction. Inhalant addiction isn’t a problem to be taken for granted. If your child is exhibiting short term memory loss, weight loss, disorientation, vomiting and nausea, appetite loss, depression, red or runny eyes and nose, chemical odor on the breath, sores or spots around the mouth, and a drunken look, you should suspect these as inhalants addiction symptoms.

Inhalants are so addictive that the abusers develop a drug dependency in it. Most people will have frequent cravings for inhalants and they need to increase the dosage to get the effect they desire. When the drug’s effect runs out, the abuser experiences symptoms of withdrawals from the abuse of inhalants. They experience headaches, hand tremors, psychosis and hallucination, irritability and aggression.

Inhalant abuse poses a danger to the abuser. It can affect almost every system of the body and leads to irreversible damage to vital organs and even death. Immediate addiction treatment must be given to those who are inhalant dependents. They need addiction treatments to help them live drug-free lives.

The youth are the hope of our future. Let’s save them from the gripping power of drug addiction. If your child is suffering from this addiction visit a healthcare provider who could help your child deal with inhalant abuse.