Inhalants addiction

It’s vital to know about certain terms that may seem unfamiliar but could carry significant meaning, especially if you’re a parent with children. Educating yourself about words like ‘huffing’ or ‘chroming’ could be beneficial if you overhear your child or their friends mentioning these terms. They might be subtle indications that your child is engaging with dangerous substances like inhalants.

These behaviours can be hazardous, and awareness is the first step toward preventing potential harm.

Huffing refers to the act of inhaling fumes from common household products such as glue, paint thinners or aerosol sprays to achieve a quick, euphoric high. People who engage in huffing will often use a rag soaked in chemicals or spray the substance directly into a bag or their mouth to inhale the fumes.

Chroming is another form of inhalant abuse, specifically involving the inhalation of fumes from aerosol paints or solvents. People who engage in chroming often target products that contain metallic paints, which can produce a high similar to huffing.

Inhalant use can become addictive, especially with repeated exposure over time. While the high from inhalants is brief, frequent use can lead to both physical and psychological dependence. As the brain adapts to the effects, a person may find themselves needing larger amounts to reach the same feeling, increasing the risk of addiction. This cycle can reshape the brain’s reward pathways, making it harder to quit without support.

Many find that stopping on their own feels difficult, underscoring the importance of professional help to address both the physical and mental challenges of inhalant addiction.

If you’re a concerned loved one, especially a parent, and you feel your child may be experimenting with substances, certain signs can indicate if they’re using inhalants. Recognising these signs can help you understand their behaviour better and take steps to support their health and well-being.

• Chemical odour on breath or clothing: A strong smell resembling chemicals, glue or solvents may linger on their breath or clothes after use.
• Red or runny nose and eyes: Fumes from inhalants can irritate the mucous membranes, causing redness or a runny nose and watery eyes.
• Stains on hands or face: Some inhalants can leave telltale marks or stains on the skin, particularly around the mouth, nose or fingers.
• Unusual breathlessness or coughing: Repeated inhalation can irritate the respiratory system, leading to coughing, wheezing or shortness of breath.
• Dazed or dizzy appearance: Inhalants can make a person appear disoriented or unsteady due to their effects on the central nervous system.
• Loss of appetite: Many users may lose interest in food, leading to noticeable changes in eating habits.
• Sudden behavioural changes: Unexpected mood swings, aggression or secretive behaviour could also indicate substance misuse.
• Hidden or missing household items: You may notice specific products like aerosols, glue, or paint thinners disappearing or hidden in unusual places.

If any of these signs resonate, it might be time to open up a conversation with your loved one or seek additional guidance from a healthcare professional.

Inhalant addiction is uniquely dangerous because of how fast these substances affect the body and mind and the severe impact they can have on health. Inhalants like paint fumes, glue or aerosol sprays are quickly absorbed through the lungs, giving an almost immediate high that can be tempting to repeat. But this short-lived high comes at a high cost—both physically and mentally.

Physical dangers

Physically, inhalants are highly toxic, and regular use can lead to serious, sometimes irreversible damage. The chemicals in inhalants can break down tissue and damage organs, particularly the liver, kidneys and brain.

A key danger is hypoxia, where oxygen is limited to the brain, which can cause long-term damage and even affect memory, coordination and cognitive abilities. In severe cases, inhalants can lead to sudden sniffing death syndrome, where a single inhalation can trigger a heart arrhythmia, leading to death.

Mental dangers

Inhalant addiction brings serious mental health risks, with cognitive decline being a major concern. These substances can harm key areas of the brain that control memory, decision-making and learning, leading to a noticeable drop in cognitive abilities as time goes on. Since inhalants have only a short-lived effect, people often feel driven to use them repeatedly, which speeds up this mental decline and deepens dependency.

Over time, this can lead to struggles with problem-solving, focus and even basic social interactions as the brain becomes less able to process information smoothly. Combined with the physical toll on organs like the liver and kidneys, inhalant addiction is especially dangerous and challenging to overcome.

At Liberty House, we understand how inhalant addiction can impact every aspect of a person’s life. Our dedicated inhalant addiction treatment programme provides comprehensive care tailored to each individual’s needs. Upon arrival, a full assessment is conducted to ensure that we address not only the physical challenges but also the emotional and psychological aspects of addiction.

Our programme includes medical detox with 24/7 support, therapy sessions such as DBT and one-to-one counselling and holistic treatments like art therapy and yoga. This holistic approach aims to treat the whole person, helping individuals regain control of their lives in a safe and supportive environment. Aftercare services are also available to provide ongoing support once the rehab journey is completed, ensuring long-term recovery.

If you or a loved one is struggling with inhalant addiction, reach out to Liberty House today – we’re here to help you take the first step toward recovery.