Dangers of Inhalants

Sniffing glue or inhaling the fumes from an aerosol can might not sound dangerous. That’s the argument millions of people have used to justify such behavior. After all, how dangerous can a substance be if kids can buy it at any local convenience store? The real answer to that question is–extremely dangerous. People have abused these substances for decades. What we know for sure is the dangers of inhalants are undeniable.

What Are Inhalants?

Inhalants are substances users take in through the nose. The appropriate terms include sniffing, huffing, bagging and spraying. Inhalants are readily available, many of them serving as everyday household products. The list of substances includes:

• Aerosols–deodorant, bug spray, spray paint
• Volatile solvents–glue, paint thinner, fingernail polish remover, lighter fluid
• Gases–nitrous oxide obtained through empty whipped cream cans and propane gas
• Nitrites–isoamyl nitrite, isobutyl nitrite, or cyclohexyl nitrite

The Real Dangers of Inhalants

While inhalants can undoubtedly provide a high, that high comes with some horrible side effects. The side effects include lightheadedness, slurred speech, loss of motor control and nausea. If someone can survive these side effects for long periods of time, they get addiction as a reward. Yes, these substances can be addictive. Once addicted, any attempts to stop using will result in some equally horrible withdrawal symptoms, including:

• Panic, anxiety, and mood swings
• Grand mal seizures–convulsions
• Loss of consciousness
• Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
• Hallucinations

That’s quite a bucket of symptoms. However, the real dangers of inhalants lie in its ability to cause severe brain damage and even death. The fumes act on the central nervous system, causing brain damage. If the brain damage doesn’t get the user, inhalants also cause heart damage. That’s a heart attack just waiting to happen. The price one might pay for a little euphoria is unacceptably high.

Treatment Options at Beaches Recovery

Beaches Recovery treatment center in Jacksonville, Florida has a top inhalant drug abuse treatment center. In fact, we have a stellar reputation for providing elite treatment for a wide range of substance addictions. Here’s a partial list of our top treatment options:

• Women’s drug addiction rehab program
• Men’s drug addiction rehab program
• Dual diagnosis treatment
• Evidence-based therapy
• Family therapy

At Beaches Recovery, it is our hope that you will understand the dangers of inhalants and stop using them. We will stand by you and help you when you are ready. The road to recovery is not easy to find, but well worth the effort to get there. For more information about reclaiming your life from addiction, pick up the phone and call us at 866.605.0532.