Inhalant Addiction Treatment

Inhalant Addiction Treatment in New Jersey

Americans make up only 4.27% of the world’s population, yet the populace consumes two-thirds of all the world’s illegal drugs. The number of illegal drug users, which dropped from a high of 25.4 million in 1979 to 12 million in 1992, rose to 20.4 million in 2006. As of 2013, some 24.6 million Americans are addicted to various substances. At present, it is estimated that there are 76 addicts per thousand Americans. Significant parts of these are addicted to inhalants. If you or a loved one are searching for inhalant addiction treatment in New Jersey or out-of-state, then you’ve come to the right place.

What Are Inhalants?

Inhalants refer to a broad range of household and industrial chemicals. They exist as volatile vapors or pressurized gases. They can be concentrated and intentionally breathed in through the nose or mouth to produce the intoxication or getting high. The manufacturers of these products do not intend this use of inhalants.

Inhalants do not include drugs that are sniffed after burning or heating. For example, nitrous oxide and solvents used in contact cement, permanent markers, and certain types of glue are considered inhalants. On the other hand, smoking tobacco, cannabis, and crack are not, even though they are inhaled as smoke.

Substances that are classified as inhalants are administered using plastic bags held over the mouth or by breathing from a solvent-soaked rag or an open container. The act is commonly known as “sniffing” (through the nose), “huffing” (through the mouth), or “bagging” (over the face and through both orifices).

Inhalant Addiction Overview

Inhalant abuse in New Jersey is rarely reported. Statistics on deaths caused by inhalant abuse are difficult to determine, as they are severely under-reported. This is because death is often attributed to a discrete event such as a stroke or a heart attack, even if they are results of inhalant abuse.

Children, teenagers, and addicts who cannot afford their regular drugs often use inhalants. Another factor that has made inhalants common is that these substances are abundant as ingredients in hundreds of legal, inexpensive products. Such products include deodorant and hair sprays, Contact cement, and aerosol air fresheners.

Signs of Inhalant Abuse

Most abusers are teens aged 14 to 15. However, children as young as 5 to 6 years may also abuse these products. In many cases, abuse declines by 17 to 19 years of age but may well continue into adulthood. Recognizing potential abuse in a loved one is important for early intervention. If your loved one is abusing inhalants, they may show signs such as:

• Chemical odors on breath or clothes.
• Paint or other stains on hands, face, fingers, or clothes.
• Changes in behavior, including apathy.
• Significant decrease in appetite and weight loss.
• Sudden change in social habits.
• A rapid decline in academic performance.
• Poor hygiene.
• Slurred speech.
• Runny nose or nosebleeds.
• Ulcers or irritation around the nose and mouth.

Effects of Inhalant Addiction

Short-term effects of inhalant addiction include:

• Intoxication similar to alcohol use
• Slurred speech
• Loss of coordination
• Dizziness
• Confusion and delirium
• Nausea and vomiting
• Lightheadedness, hallucinations, and delusions.

Long-term effects of inhalant addiction include:

• Weight loss
• Muscle weakness
• Continual disorientation
• Inattentiveness
• Lack of coordination
• Irritability
• Depression
• Compulsive use and withdrawal syndrome can occur with long-term abuse
• Loss of consciousness or even coma

The Most Commonly Abused Inhalants in New Jersey

Examples of inhalant products that are widely abused – mostly by underage children and sometimes adults – in New Jersey include:

• Model airplane glue
• Nail polish remover
• Cleaning fluids
• Hair spray
• Gasoline
• The propellant of aerosol cans in whipped cream and spray paint.
• Air conditioner fluid (Freon)
• Cooking spray
• Correction fluid.

Find Treatment for Inhalant Addiction in New Jersey

Recovery from neurological and physical impairment caused by inhalant abuse is possible. With time and proper rehab, behavioral changes resulting from inhalant abuse can be reversed. However, early intervention is necessary.

If you or your loved one is addicted to inhalants, help is within reach. NJ Addiction Resources can help you find the right drug treatment center in New Jersey or out-of-state for you. We are here around-the-clock, and always ready to discuss your treatment needs. Take the right step towards getting your life or that of a loved one back by contacting us today.