What Is Inhalant Detox Like? What You Need To Know

Inhalant use is a major issue for teens and young adults because they can easily obtain the substances. Though addiction occurs less frequently with inhalants than with other substances, it is still important to address it. People who use inhalants frequently create a risk for dependency and addiction.

Drug detox is the first step of treatment to living a life free from inhalants. 

Inhalant detox is the first step toward recovery.

What Are Inhalants?

Unlike most drugs, inhalants are classified by the method of consumption. People can only abuse inhalants through the respiratory system. For this reason, substances like cannabis and alcohol are not classified as inhalants. The most common types of inhalants include paint thinners, glues, petroleum gasses, nitrous oxide from whipped cream cans, and aerosols.

Inhalant abuse only creates a short high; they are usually inhaled repeatedly for hours. The quantity inhaled increases over time.

Inhalant Withdrawal Symptoms

When initiating detox, patients should enter a qualified treatment facility that specializes in help for inhalant abuse. This space will allow for a safe detox process. Symptoms of acute withdrawal may include:

• Anxiety
• Irritability
• Headaches
• Nausea
• Difficulty concentrating
• Cravings for inhalants
• Poor memory
• Tremors
• Mood swings
• Insomnia
• Sweating
• Chills
• Hallucinations
• Seizures

Doctors can assist in relieving withdrawal by prescribing medications to ease the symptoms. Withdrawal is easier with professional detox. Unfortunately, because of how the body stores inhalants, detox and withdrawal symptoms can take upwards of weeks.

Protracted withdrawal is not as common for inhalant use disorder, but those symptoms can be treated outside of a facility.

Comorbid Mental and Physical Disorders

In addiction programs that treat inhalant abuse, it is crucial to evaluate the unique needs of each client. The situation may not be as simple as acute withdrawal. Drug rehabs and addiction centers can offer the most effective treatment for people with inhalant use disorder.

Addiction often develops as a method of self-medication for other mental struggles. Amid desperation, substances can provide temporary relief. This is especially prevalent in cases of inhalant abuse. A 2007 study published in Drug and Alcohol Dependence found that 70% of all inhalant users that responded to The National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions met the criteria for at least one mood, anxiety, or personality disorder. Therapy is an effective tool utilized in treatment centers to cope with withdrawal and comorbid mental disorders. It can also help address underlying causes of substance use.

Inhalants can also create physical damage throughout the body. Higher quantities and prolonged periods of use increase the probability of this occurring. At treatment facilities that offer inhalant detox, a doctor may run tests to determine how severely substance use impacted the anatomy. Physical problems discovered in relation to inhalants include:

• Organ damage
• Bond marrow damage
• Nerve damage
• Brain damage
• Hearing loss
• Vision loss
• Muscle spasms
• Lack of control over limbs

Any physical issues discovered may be treated alongside detox symptoms. Though this may seem daunting, it is important to remember that treating problems early may not take them away, but it can make them manageable.

Next Steps After Detox

At the end of the detox, a medical team will help the client develop a future treatment plan. The best course of action will depend on the severity of inhalant use disorder and any comorbidities. 

For some, inpatient rehabilitation is the necessary action. These usually consist of 30-day programs, sometimes longer, that provides 24-hour mental health care. Many facilities offer medically assisted treatment. While there are no FDA-approved medications for inhalant use disorder, other meds can treat the symptoms. 

Other people with less severe inhalant addiction may benefit from an intensive outpatient program. This allows clients six to eight hours of therapy each day. It offers a support system, mixing individual and group modalities. Outside of the program, it is on the client to decide whether to seek medically assisted treatment through a doctor. It is also up to them to manage their environment. They are responsible for avoiding relapse-inducing triggers.

People with the mildest inhalant use may only need individual therapy and participation in a support group. Multiple therapy modalities may offer assistance in maintaining recovery, but cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a well-documented option. This treatment option is only ideal for clients with a solid relapse prevention plan. 

Case Management

If a client with inhalant use disorder is not mentally prepared to make decisions about their treatment plan, case management may be a good option. Case managers are typically counselors, nurses, or social workers with hospital backgrounds. They create, evaluate, and oversee individualized health plans. Additionally, they communicate between all the client's different care providers. 

More than anything else, though, case managers act as advocates. These professionals ensure individuals are receiving the care they need for their health issues. They coordinate with insurance plans to ensure coverage, and they are helpful when a person is working with different providers, health issues, and treatment plans. 

Inhalant Use Is Treatable and Starts with Detox

Inhalant use disorder is unique in that it is not as frequently diagnosed, but it can create severe health problems. Along with acute withdrawal symptoms that can last for weeks, inhalants often damage the body. Additionally, there is also a high rate of comorbid mental health disorders among inhalant users. This makes inhalant detox a difficult process.

People seeking recovery are not without hope though. If you or someone you love is seeking recovery from an inhalant addiction, DetoxNearMe.com can help you find a detox center near you and in your budget. Detoxing from inhalants is the first step in a journey to a life worth living, and it can start today.

Start searching with DetoxNearMe.com today.