Common Types of Inhalants That Lead to Inhalant Addiction Treatment in California
Inhalant abuse involves repeatedly inhaling fumes from products like paints and solvents to change one’s mental state. This habit leads to serious impairment and is classified as a form of substance abuse. Understanding these substances is important, so the main types of inhalants are detailed below.
Volatile Solvents
These chemicals, which are found in products like paint thinners, gasoline, and glues, quickly turn into gas at room temperature. People may abuse these volatile substances by breathing them in from a bag or rag. This can lead to serious risks like brain damage and muscle weakness.
Volatile solvents affect the central nervous system, and long-term abuse can lead to mental disorders.
Aerosol Sprays
Aerosol sprays like hair sprays and deodorants contain pressurized liquids or gases. When misused, they can cause a quick high and rapidly harm the body. This may lead to inhalant intoxication, breathing problems, and other issues requiring professional help.
Long-term misuse of aerosol sprays can lead to inhalant addiction, which affects mental health and strains family relationships.
Gases
Gases like nitrous oxide, butane, and propane are also commonly abused inhalants. Some people misuse nitrous oxide, or “laughing gas,” for its dreamlike, happy effects. However, this increases the risk of serious physical harm, including an inhalant overdose, and may require treatment.
Nitrites
Nitrites were first used to treat heart issues because they relax muscles and widen blood vessels. Common examples are air fresheners and poppers, also known as “rush.” They are misused to enhance sexual experiences and don’t directly affect the central nervous system. Even so, misusing them can still lead to serious health risks.
If you or someone you care about is struggling with inhalant addiction, reach out to a professional treatment center as soon as possible.
Are Inhalants Addictive?
Repeated use of inhalants can lead to addiction, causing a strong urge to keep using. A person often needs larger amounts to get the same effects, which is known as tolerance. This pattern increases the chances of serious problems like seizures or overdose, as tolerance encourages more frequent use.
These risks can become worse when someone has other mental or physical health issues. Inhalant addiction is not always easy to see, so watching for behavior changes and getting help quickly can make a big difference for their health and safety.
Signs of Inhalant Abuse
Recognizing when someone is abusing inhalants is not always easy, but certain warning signs can help:
- Chemical or paint smells on clothing or in their living space, often from products like spray paint or lighter fluid
- Sudden coordination problems, confusion, or slurred speech, which may point to recent use or inhalant dependence
- Behavioral changes like secrecy, mood swings, or pulling away from family and friends can be a sign of addiction
- Sores, redness, or irritation around the mouth and nose may be caused by chemical exposure
- A sudden drop in work or school performance, often due to the mental fog from inhalant use
- Missing household products or items that are often empty, like glue, paint thinners, or cleaning supplies, can signal inhalant abuse
If you notice these signs in a loved one, seeking help from an inhalant addiction treatment center in California can be life-changing.
Options for Inhalant Addiction Treatment in California
Overcoming an inhalant use disorder is possible with the right support, especially at a professional treatment center. Below are some common treatment options we offer at pH Wellness:
Detox
For many people, detox is the first step in treating inhalant abuse. In this process, medical professionals help manage withdrawal symptoms in a safe setting. Because repeated use can cause unpredictable health problems, a supervised detox reduces the risk of complications. This stage also allows the center to gather medical history to create a personal plan for the next phase of care.
Inpatient Treatment for Inhalant Use Disorder
An inpatient treatment program provides around-the-clock support in a rehab center. In this setting, patients live at the facility and receive individual, group, and family therapy. This structured environment reduces exposure to triggers, allowing patients to focus on behavioral therapy. An inpatient inhalant addiction treatment program is very helpful for people with more severe disorders.
Partial Hospitalization Drug Abuse Treatment
A partial hospitalization program (PHP) is a comprehensive program that offers intense therapy during the day and allows clients to return home in the evening. This option balances structure with personal freedom. People engaged in PHP can benefit from individual and group sessions, support groups, and inhalant abuse education. Those looking for inhalant abuse recovery learn how to deal with issues in their life without turning to drugs. PHP can be a good fit for those who no longer need 24-hour comprehensive care but still want structured services to build and maintain a substance-free life.
Intensive Outpatient Addiction Rehab Center
An intensive outpatient treatment program (IOP) is another option for treatment that requires several hours of therapy per week. This program includes group and individual therapy sessions with an addiction treatment team. Since it does not require an overnight stay, it is helpful for inhalant users balancing work and family duties. This approach is often a good fit for adults who have finished inpatient care or do not need a more intensive program.
Standard Outpatient Treatment
Standard outpatient treatment requires less time than an IOP, usually just a few hours of therapy each week. Clients go to rehab centers for counseling focused on relapse prevention and healthy coping skills. This flexible treatment program allows individuals to manage work or family duties while pursuing their recovery goals.
Aftercare
Once formal treatment ends, aftercare helps support a successful long-term recovery. It keeps clients connected to resources like support groups, family therapy, or counseling. Staying involved in ongoing care helps people maintain progress and prevent a relapse.
If a loved one is struggling with inhalant addiction and it impacts their daily life, exploring these treatment options can be the first step toward a healthier future.
The Importance of Dual Diagnosis in Inhalant Addiction Treatment Programs
Dual diagnosis treatment is for treating substance abuse and mental health disorders like depression or anxiety at the same time. If both inhalant abuse and other mental health issues are not diagnosed, it can slow down or limit recovery progress.
The American Psychiatric Association (APA) notes that substance use can alter how the brain works. This means long-term use can make mental health problems worse. In turn, untreated mental health issues can lead to more substance abuse, as people often use drugs to self-medicate.
A provider like pH Wellness can create an inhalant addiction treatment plan that addresses both inhalant use and other drugs or substances. Dual diagnosis treatment improves the odds of lasting change by focusing on every part of a person’s condition.
Contact pH Wellness to Learn More About Inhalant Addiction Treatment in California
Facing inhalant addiction is difficult, especially when cravings and withdrawal symptoms impact your daily life. While recovery may seem hard, professional care can make a huge difference. At pH Wellness, we are ready to guide you through each step with compassion. Contact us today to learn about inhalant addiction treatment in California. Call (888) 707-3880 or complete our online contact form when you are ready.
If you or a loved one are struggling with substance use disorder, contact us to speak with a caring intake specialist.
