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What is inhalant Abuse
When individuals abuse inhalants, they breathe them in through the nose or mouth in a variety of ways. They may sniff or snort fumes from a container or dispenser, spray aerosols directly into the nose or mouth, or place a chemical-soaked rag over the mouth or nose. They may also inhale substances from a balloon or a plastic or paper bag. This is called “bagging.” Some abuse inhalants by pouring them onto a shirt collar or sleeves and sniffing them periodically. The high from inhalants only lasts a couple of minutes, so abusers prolong it by repeating sniffing over several hours.
Signs And Symptoms
Inhalant abusers may show such signs as:
- Chemical odors on the breath or clothes.
- Paint or other stains on hands, fingers or clothes.
- Changes in behavior including apathy (lack of interest).
- Significant decrease in appetite and weight loss.
- Sudden change in friends and hobbies.
- Rapid decline in school performance.
- Poor hygiene and grooming habits.
- Slurred speech.
- Runny nose or nosebleeds.
- Tiredness.
- Ulcers or irritation around the nose and mouth.
Other symptoms may include:
- Confusion.
- Poor concentration.
- Depression.
- Irritability.
- Hostility.
- Paranoia.
Inhalant abuse diagnosis
Inhalants are not detected by routine urine drug screenings, so detection relies on the clinical diagnosis of knowledgeable medical professionals. Clinical testing can show abnormal laboratory results, such as elevated liver enzymes. Blood and other tissues can be tested by gas chromatography technique. Specific urine tests can trace benzene, toluene, and other similar substances when they are abused over a long period of time.
Treating An Internet Addiction
Treatment methods for inhalant abuse do not differ much from those used to treat addictive behavior. These treatments include individual therapy (cognitive behavioral therapy), family therapy, activity and engagement programs, and aftercare (including support groups).
- Cognitive behavior therapy: This therapy includes teaching how to handle stressful situations, coping with cravings, and resisting offers to use inhalants.
- Motivational interventions: This counselling style helps teens gain their own motivation to commit to change.
- Family counselling: This therapy focuses on improving communication, relationships, actions and behaviors between family members.
- Activity and engagement programs: These programs provide new skills and social experiences and offer an alternative choice to inhalant use. Programs include such activities as movie nights, dances, hiking, and more. These types of programs play an important role in maintaining substance-free life by helping teens engage in new social relationships with others who are non-users.
- Support groups and 12-step programs: These groups, like alcoholics anonymous and narcotics anonymous, help reduce the risk of relapse and help maintain a substance-free life.
