Common Types of Inhalants That Lead to Inhalant Addiction Treatment in California
Inhalant abuse is defined as a pattern of repeatedly inhaling hydrocarbon-based fumes (found in things like paints and solvents) to change one’s mental state, which leads to serious clinical impairment and is classified as a form of substance abuse. Understanding more about these substances is essential. Below are the main types of inhalants that people commonly use when struggling with inhalant use.
Volatile Solvents
These chemicals turn into gas quickly at room temperature and are found in products like paint thinners, gasoline, glues, and dry-cleaning fluids. People may abuse inhalants like volatile substances by breathing them in through a paper or plastic bag or even a rag, leading to serious risks such as brain damage and muscle weakness.
Volatile solvents affect the central nervous system and can result in mental disorders if the substance abuse continues for prolonged periods.
Aerosol Sprays
These spray products contain pressurized liquids or gases and can include hair sprays, deodorant sprays, and cooking oil sprays. When misused, they can produce a quick high and rapidly damage the body. This can cause inhalant intoxication, difficulty breathing, and other problems that may require professional help.
Prolonged aerosol misuse can escalate into a full-blown inhalant addiction, impacting one’s mental health and straining relationships with family members.
Gases
Certain gases, such as nitrous oxide, butane, and propane, are also common inhalant substances. People abuse inhalants like nitrous oxide – often called “laughing gas” – to achieve a dreamlike, euphoric state. However, doing so raises the risk of serious physical harm, including inhalant overdose. Individuals who abuse these gases may need to seek inhalant addiction treatment.
Nitrites
Nitrites are a type of vasodilator originally intended to treat heart issues, as they help relax muscles and widen blood vessels. Common examples include air fresheners and poppers. On the street, they’re sometimes called “rush” or “leather cleaner.” They don’t act directly on the central nervous system and are generally misused as sexual enhancers. Though they don’t affect the brain quite like other inhalants, their misuse 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 inhalant use can lead to addiction, where a person develops a strong urge to keep using, often needing larger amounts to feel the same effects (known as increased tolerance). Over time, this escalating pattern raises the likelihood of serious complications like seizures or overdose. A tolerance encourages even more frequent or heavier use.
These risks can worsen when someone has other mental or physical health issues. Inhalant addiction isn’t always apparent, so watching for changes in behavior and seeking professional help quickly can make a major difference in someone’s health and safety.
We understand that getting help for addiction can be challenging. Start with a free addiction assessment today.
Signs of Inhalant Abuse
Noticing someone abusing inhalants isn’t always straightforward, but there are certain warning signs you can look out for:
- Chemical or paint odors lingering on clothing or in the person’s living space are often associated with products like spray paint or lighter fluid
- Sudden issues with coordination, confusion, or slurred speech can suggest recent inhalant use or inhalant dependence
- Changes in behavior, such as being secretive, mood swings, or social withdrawal from family members and friends, can be a sign of addiction
- Irritation, redness, or sores around the mouth and nose could come from repeated exposure to chemicals.
- Sudden drops in performance at work or school are often caused by the mental fog that comes with inhalant use
- Missing or frequently empty household products like glue, paint thinners, or cleaning supplies is another sign of inhalant abuse
If you see these signs in a loved one, learning more about inhalant abuse and seeking professional help from an inhalant addiction treatment center in California can be life-changing.
Options for Inhalant Addiction Treatment in California
Overcoming inhalant use disorder is possible with the right ongoing support, especially in a professional treatment center that specializes in substance abuse. Below are some common treatment options we offer at pH Wellness:
Detox
For many people, detox is the first step for inhalant abuse treatment. During this process, medical professionals safely manage inhalant withdrawal symptoms in a monitored environment. Because repeated use can lead to unpredictable health issues, a medically supervised detox lowers the risk of complications. This phase also lets the treatment center gather important medical history to personalize the next phase of treatment.
Inpatient Treatment for Inhalant Use Disorder
Inpatient treatment provides full-time support in an addiction rehab center. In this setting, patients live at the treatment center and have access to individual therapy, group therapy sessions, and possibly family therapy sessions. This structured environment helps reduce exposure to triggers that can lead to substance use while allowing patients to focus on behavioral therapy. Inpatient inhalant addiction treatment is especially useful for those with more severe substance use 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 form of inhalant abuse treatment, requiring several hours of therapy each week. It usually involves working with an addiction treatment team for group therapy and individual therapy sessions. Because it does not require an overnight stay, this approach is helpful for inhalant users balancing work and family obligations. It’s usually well-suited for adults or young adults or those who’ve already completed inpatient care or who believe they don’t need such an intensive form of treatment.
Standard Outpatient Treatment
Standard outpatient treatment is less time-intensive than an IOP, usually requiring a few hours of therapy weekly. Clients visit rehab centers for individual and group counseling, mostly focusing on relapse prevention, healthy coping strategies, and learning how to apply what they’ve learned to their everyday lives. This flexible treatment program allows individuals to stay committed to work or family obligations while addressing their inhalant addiction recovery goals.
Aftercare
Once formal treatment ends, aftercare supports successful long-term recovery by keeping clients connected to resources like support groups, family therapy, or individual counseling. Staying involved in some level of care helps maintain progress and prevent potential relapse.
If someone you love is battling inhalant addiction and it’s affecting his or her ability to function effectively, 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 means treating not just substance use but also any co-existing mental health disorders at the same time. If a professional does not properly diagnose inhalant abuse as well as issues like depression or anxiety, it can slow or limit progress in recovery.
The American Psychiatric Association (APA) states that substance use can change how the brain functions. This often means that prolonged use can make mental health issues worse. On the flip side, untreated mental health issues can lead to more substance abuse issues, as people often use drugs and alcohol as a way to self-medicate as opposed to using appropriately prescribed medication.
A leading provider like pH Wellness can create an inhalant addiction treatment plan that addresses the use of inhalants and other drugs or other substances. Dual diagnosis treatment increases the chances of lasting change and a healthier life by focusing on every aspect of a person’s condition.
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Contact pH Wellness to Learn More About Inhalant Addiction Treatment in California
It’s never easy to face inhalant addiction, especially when cravings and withdrawal symptoms take over your daily life. Recovery might seem impossible sometimes, but support and professional care can make a huge difference for you or a family member. At pH Wellness, we’re prepared to guide you through every step of the process with compassion. Contact us today to learn more about inhalant addiction treatment in California. Call (888) 707-3880 or complete our online contact form as soon as you’re ready to get help.
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If you or a loved one are struggling with substance use disorder, contact us to speak with a caring intake specialist.
