Many people don’t realize just how addictive inhalants can be. People often minimize inhalant use because they don’t sound as dangerous as other substances like heroin or cocaine. However, the reality is that they can be just as dangerous and just as deadly. So, are inhalants addictive? Yes, absolutely. The good news is that many effective tools and techniques can help one recover from inhalant addiction.
Are Inhalants Addictive?
Many people still ask themselves, “Are inhalants addictive?” They may do this because the topic of inhalant misuse and inhalant addiction are under-discussed in the public sphere. The answer to this question is yes; inhalants are seriously addictive.
This addiction aspect is especially concerning with inhalants because young people can become addicted quickly, and the harm that inhalants do physically, emotionally, and mentally can happen quickly, too. Like other addictions, the harm can also extend to social and familial aspects.
How Are Inhalants Addictive?
We know that inhalants are addictive, but how are inhalants addictive? Understanding how inhalant addiction develops is crucial. Inhalants primarily affect the brain’s reward center, leading to feelings of euphoria and relaxation that create a compelling urge to use them repeatedly. Some examples of how inhalants are addictive include:
- Dopamine Release: Inhalants increase levels of dopamine. This contributes to the euphoric high that reinforces the desire to use inhalants again.
- Immediate Effects: The effects of inhalants are often felt almost immediately after inhalation. This immediacy can condition individuals to seek out inhalants for instant gratification.
- Cravings: The pleasurable effects lead to the phenomenon of craving, where individuals feel the urge to use inhalants to recreate those feelings. This craving can become overwhelming, driving repeated use despite negative consequences.
- Physical Dependence: Over time, the body can develop a tolerance to inhalants, requiring users to consume larger quantities to achieve the same effects. This increased tolerance can deepen the addiction as individuals chase their initial high.
As inhalant addiction progresses, individuals may experience withdrawal symptoms when they try to stop using inhalants. This discomfort can encompass physical, mental, emotional, and psychological aspects, making it incredibly challenging to quit. Many may find it easier to continue using inhalants rather than endure the pain of withdrawal.
What Can Lead to Inhalant Addiction?
One contributing factor to inhalant addiction is the accessibility of these substances. Many common household products — like aerosol keyboard dusters, cleaning products, nail polish, and spray paint — can serve as inhalants, making them easy for individuals, especially those under 18, to obtain.
Additionally, the prevalence of inhalant use is alarming. According to Addiction Science & Clinical Practice, “More than 22 million Americans age 12 and older have used inhalants, and every year more than 750,000 use inhalants for the first time. Despite the substantial prevalence and serious toxicities of inhalant use, it has been termed ‘the forgotten epidemic.’ Inhalant abuse remains the least-studied form of substance abuse, although research on its epidemiology, neurobiology, treatment, and prevention has accelerated in recent years.” What makes this epidemic even more concerning is just how addictive inhalants are.
Poor Family and Peer Relationships Can Contribute to Inhalant Addiction
According to the United States Department of Justice (DOJ), “Disrupted family structure and poor family relationships are almost always found among chronic inhalant users. Additionally, inhalant users score higher on measures related to anxiety, depression, and social acceptance. These psychological factors, combined with the physical risks, emphasize the complexities involved in inhalant addiction.
In addition to family dynamics, the social environment and peer influence play critical roles in inhalant addiction, particularly among youth. Adolescents are often heavily influenced by their social circles, and if inhalant use is normalized within these groups, the likelihood of experimentation increases significantly. Some key points include:
- Peer pressure
- Desire for acceptance
- Risk-taking behavior
- Lack of support systems
Long-Term Success at The Phoenix Recovery Center
It is important to remember that inhalant addiction is like any other addiction. It is a disease that centers in the mind. Yes, it is a disease, not some type of moral failing or choice. This is why inhalant addiction is more similar to other chronic diseases like cancer, heart disease, or diabetes than it is with a choice.
The good news is that many means, methods, and modalities can help one to recover from inhalant addiction. These modalities can include psychotherapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). These therapies can help to get to the underlying motives of inhalant addiction.
Here at The Phoenix Recovery Center, we believe in long-term success over short-term “fixes.” This is why all of our addiction recovery plans are individualized and comprehensive, with a focus on the future. This includes our clients who are recovering from inhalant addiction. It is important to understand that anyone can recover if they are willing to be honest. Recovery is waiting. It’s time to go out there and get it. We can help.
Many people don’t realize the addictive properties of inhalants, their chemical composition, and the physiological responses they trigger in individuals who use them. It is also important to understand the potential for psychological dependence and the risks involved. The good news is that there is hope, and there is help. If you feel like you or a loved one are struggling with issues of addiction, mental illness, or co-occurring disorders, we can help get you on the positive path toward long-term recovery right away. You don’t have to go through this process alone. To begin your healing journey complete this short form or call The Phoenix Recovery Center at (801) 438-3185.
