Signs of Huffing
Many people would be surprised to find out just how common “huffing” (the act of “getting high” from inhaling chemicals) actually is. Huffing remains very prevalent, especially among younger populations. Unfortunately, many people do not know the signs of huffing and thus it often goes undetected. The good news is that when huffing is detected, there are many means, methods, and modalities that can help one recover from their addiction.
Understanding Addiction as a Disease
Addiction affects millions of people every day. This is true both in the U.S. and abroad, and it includes alcohol use disorder (AUD), behavioral addictions like gambling addiction, and substance use disorder (SUD), which includes huffing.
Many people are also unsure as to what addiction actually is. They often think addiction is some type of moral failing or “choice.” This is simply untrue. Addiction is a disease. In fact, addiction has more to do with other chronic diseases like cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. This is because, without some type of professional intervention, addiction will almost always get worse, rarely better. This includes huffing.
What is Huffing?
Huffing is the act of using inhalants to achieve a sense of physical, mental, and emotional euphoria. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), “Inhalants are a class of substances that produce intoxicating chemical vapors that people inhale. These include products easily bought and found in the home, school, or workplace, such as spray paints, correction fluids, felt-tip markers, glues, and cleaning fluids… People who use inhalants breathe them in through the mouth (huffing or bagging) or the nose (sniffing or snorting).”
Huffing is also very popular among young people. This is because the substances can be easily acquired and they are not illegal when they are merely possessed. However, the act of huffing is illegal (as is said on most inhalants). One of the keys to starting effective inhalant treatment is to recognize the signs of huffing.
The Signs of Huffing
The signs of huffing are distinct, but can be easily missed. The following are some of those signs of huffing:
- Showing visible signs of huffing such as paint residue around one’s lips
- Wearing substances like nail polish in order to huff the fumes
- Experiencing physical ailments such as headaches, body aches, and gastrointestinal problems
- Feeling anxious, nervous, or overly “stressed out”
- Having feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, and helplessness
- Losing interest in activities once enjoyed
- Isolating away from family and close friends
- Experiencing trouble at work or school
- Loss of appetite and a lack of care regarding physical appearance and wellbeing
- Trouble breathing
- Exhibiting excessive mood swings
- Possessing many different types of inhalants
- Causing harm to oneself or others
- Having suicidal ideations
Many people can minimize huffing. However, as one can see, these signs and symptoms are significant and can be deadly. This is why reaching out for professional help as soon as possible is vital. Doing so could mean the difference between short-term side effects and long-term consequences.
What to Do After There Are Signs of Huffing
Once you see the warning signs of huffing, the next steps to take are critical. These steps include reaching out to a quality recovery or treatment center that specializes in addiction that includes huffing.
It also includes connecting a loved one struggling to the type of treatment center that offers multiple means, methods, and modalities of recovery. This includes psychotherapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), experiential therapies like nature immersion therapy and art therapy, and holistic healing methods like yoga therapy and mindfulness meditation.
Recovering From Huffing
To recover from huffing, one has to be willing to trust the process of addiction professionals. This includes trusting the process of CBT.
CBT can be particularly effective because it gets to the underlying issues of huffing. These are the underlying issues that cause one to view themselves and the world around them negatively. These negative thoughts are often more critical to recovery than simply putting down the inhalant. Though, of course, that is a critical aspect of recovery as well.
It is also important to work with others when it comes to recovery (especially long-term recovery). This connection to others can easily be gained by joining a 12-Step program that focuses on SUD.
The Phoenix Difference
Here at The Phoenix Recovery Center, we have a maxim known as the Phoenix Difference – “Empowering individuals and families suffering from addiction and mental health disorders, to celebrate life through lasting solutions.”
Recovery from huffing is possible. The key is to reach out and take the next right step. There is hope. We can help.
“Huffing” remains a serious issue in the U.S. and around the world. This is especially true with younger and poorer populations. It is important to understand the dangers and signs of huffing, as well as how one can best recover. The good news is there are many effective means, methods, and modalities for recovering from an inhalant addiction. If you feel like you or a loved one are struggling with issues of addiction, mental illness, or both, 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.
