Inhalants Withdrawal and Detox

Inhalants are medications patients must inhale to achieve the desired effect, even though other substances can be inhaled and misused. Some examples of inhalants include solvents, aerosol sprays, gases, and prescription medicines for chest pain. Inhalants can also be products that are easily found around the house or at work. Examples of these everyday inhalants include spray paints, markers, glues and cleaning fluids.

These products are dangerous because they contain substances that alter the mind after inhaling. People use these products to achieve a “high” even though they are not typically referenced as drugs because they are not meant to produce psychoactive effects. When these products are misused specifically to alter the mind, they are referenced as inhalants. Younger kids and teens are the ones who misuse inhalants at higher frequencies when compared to their older peers.

One must stop taking inhalants to safely remove them from the body. If you are taking inhalants because your doctor has prescribed them to you, do not abruptly stop taking the medication. Suddenly halting your inhalant treatment may produce enhanced and unwanted withdrawal symptoms. Typically, your doctor will gradually lower your inhalant dose over time so your body has enough time to respond to lower amounts of the medication.

If you or someone you know repeatedly uses inhalants, there is a chance they could become psychologically addicted to the medication. If you have been taking large doses of inhalants over a long period, you may experience undesirable withdrawal symptoms. Common inhalant withdrawal symptoms may include nausea, loss of appetite, sweating, problems sleeping and mood changes.

The withdrawal timeline and symptoms duration for misusing inhalants is usually rather short but it is never the same for every patient. Everyone’s unique physiology contributes to the speed at which inhalants can be removed from the body. Several factors including the patient’s age, metabolism, organ functions, inhalant usage frequency, and more all play a role in how quickly inhalant withdrawal symptoms will subside.

It may be necessary to seek a medically assisted detoxification program if you are having difficulty managing inhalants withdrawal symptoms. This type of program is beneficial for very serious cases of inhalant withdrawal, as patients can receive information on how to identify and cope with their individual situation and progress. A safe detox from inhalants is an important step in each patient’s journey to recovery.

It is important to keep a list of your current medications, including herbal products and over the counter drugs, as these can potentially interact with inhalants. Some drug interactions with inhalants can be deadly. Remember to share your current medication list with your doctor to avoid any unfortunate circumstances of interaction.

People use inhalants to achieve a “high” because of inhalants’ ability to slow down body functions. When inhalants are combined with depressants such as tranquilizers or alcohol, the effect can be lethal. Some patients can even overdose on small amounts of inhalants when mixing them with alcohol. In addition, inhalants can impair people’s decision-making skills. When inhalants are combined with mind-altering substances, people are at higher risk for making dangerous and even life-threatening decisions because their inhibitions have been lowered.

Choosing the right rehabilitation center to fit your specific needs is an important step in your recovery journey. Set up a meeting with your doctor to discuss what you are looking for in your treatment program. You may want to consider factors that can influence your inhalants withdrawal symptoms, like how long you have been misusing inhalants as well as the level of doses you are accustomed to taking.

If you or someone you know is suffering from inhalant addiction or another substance use disorder, The Recovery Village has a variety of programs and resource available for those who wish to live a drug-free life.

Even though recovery may be difficult for some patients, The Recovery Village will be with you every step of the way as you take steps toward saving you or your loved one’s life.