Experts at Minnesota drug rehab will tell you that while inhalants are not as widely abused as some other hardcore drugs, they are still pretty addictive and dangerous.
Since these are accessible easily as they are found in common household aerosols, they are used mostly by teenagers who get a high from inhaling their fumes or ‘sniffing’. Even if they aren’t found at home, teens can easily go to a store and purchase them. The issue is just inhaling them once can lead to severe mental and physical consequences, which may turn fatal too – called ‘Sudden Sniffing Death.’
Types of inhalants
There are several types of inhalants commonly used by addicts. In fact, more than a thousand products can commonly be abused. Some of these are
- Nitrous Oxide: This is also known as laughing gas. It is found in cans of whipping cream.
- Solvents: These include nail polish, gasoline, paint thinners, glue, etc.
- Nitrites: These are found in air fresheners, liquid fragrances, leather cleaners, etc.
- Aerosols: These include hair spray, deodorants, cleaning products, spray paints, etc.
If you suspect your teen may be experiencing inhalant addiction, here are some signs you can keep track of
- They may have a runny nose and red eyes.
- They will appear drunk and show signs of anxiety.
- They may have sores in or around the mouth and exhibit loss of appetite.
- Their breath will smell unusual, and they may have paint stains on their face or clothes.
Effects of Addiction to Inhalants
The effects of this addiction are
- Loss of muscle control
- Permanent brain damage
- Damage to the heart, liver, kidney, bone marrow, and blood
It is vital to search for a ‘drug rehab near me’ if you feel your teen may be addicted to it. It is imperative to speak with your children about the ill effects of even sniffing these inhalants even once.l
You must always be on alert for symptoms of abuse in your children. Most times, they are completely unaware of the dangers of this type of abuse and think doing it just once won’t do any harm. However, they are supremely addictive and cause almost instant dependence as they affect the brain and send it ‘reward’ signals.
It is also a good idea to speak with their teachers, counselors, and coaches regarding this topic so that everyone is on the same page. By being updated and supported, many addictions can be stopped in their tracks and many lives saved from destruction.
Also, if you feel that your child is addicted, you should seek professional drug addiction help. If the case is very serious, they may suggest an in-house deaddiction program. Else they may suggest outpatient treatments that include medical help along with counseling and therapies.
Remember, you are not alone in this fight. You can get a tremendous amount of help and support from other parents managing similar issues.
