Chroming is a trending term for an existing phenomenon: inhalant abuse, otherwise known as huffing. Chroming might seem like harmless fun inspired by social media but using any form of inhalants can be dangerous and potentially life-threatening. Read on and discover why you should not engage with the social media chroming challenge. You can also learn how to connect with compassionate and science-backed treatment if you need help addressing inhalant abuse.

Understanding The Chroming Trend

The chroming challenge is a disturbing social media phenomenon encouraging people to use inhalants. Although the recent trend has led to the loss of lives worldwide, inhalant abuse is an existing problem. Data from SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) show that almost 700,000 young adults in the United States report past-year inhalant abuse.

Inhalant abuse has long been associated with young adults due to the ease of accessibility of products like whipped cream canisters containing nitrous oxide – whippets – and aerosol sprays. The resurgence of this behavior in recent months has been fueled by the chroming challenge on TikTok and other social media channels.

What Are the Dangers of Chroming?

Chroming death is the most severe danger associated with inhalant abuse. There are also many other potential complications when someone abuses inhalants. These include:

• Immediate health risks: Chroming can trigger an immediate drop in blood pressure. It may also provoke irregularities in heart rate, potentially leading to loss of consciousness. The chemicals may also irritate the respiratory tract, prompting nausea, vomiting, and severe headaches.
• Neurological damage: Chronic exposure to the chemicals used in chroming can damage the brain and CNS (central nervous system). This may result in cognitive impairments, memory loss, and problems with concentration and focus. Some of these effects may be permanent, including nerve damage leading to a loss of motor skills and coordination.
• Sudden sniffing death syndrome: An especially alarming risk associated with chroming is sudden sniffing death syndrome, where the heart fails suddenly and without warning after someone uses inhalants. One in five victims of sudden sniffing death syndrome were chroming for the first time.
• Dependence and addiction: The sustained use of inhalants may lead to physical and psychological dependence. The craving to replicate the high triggered by chroming can become an all-consuming need, potentially leading to addiction, a chronic and relapsing brain disorder.
• Respiratory issues: Chroming can damage the lungs, especially in those who already have asthma or other respiratory conditions. Long-term inhalant abuse can cause chronic respiratory issues or inflame existing conditions.
• Psychiatric complications: Inhalant abuse is linked with mental health disorders like depression, anxiety, and psychosis. Chroming may worsen underlying psychiatric conditions or trigger new symptoms.
• Physical injury: Chroming can impair judgment and motor coordination, leaving people at increased risk of accidents, injuries, and engaging in risky behaviors.

 While the dangers of chroming can be life-threatening and all forms of inhalant abuse should be avoided, it’s possible to recover from huffing addiction by engaging with evidence-based treatment.

How Did the Chroming Trend Start?

The term chroming originates in Australia and is used to describe the act of inhaling vapors from toxic substances in aerosol cans, spray deodorants, or whipped cream canisters. While the use of the term chroming has broadened to include all forms of inhalant abuse, its origins are tied to the practice of inhaling fumes from chrome-based paint to achieve euphoric effects.

Social media-inspired inhalant challenges first started on TikTok with many tags getting tens of millions of views.

Fortunately, searching for chroming on TikTok now delivers top results from addiction specialists and rehab centers warning about the dangers of chroming. So, while social media may have fueled the chroming trend, it can also be used to educate people about the downside of inhalant abuse.

How to Get Help for Addicted Teens

Helping a teen who is struggling with substance abuse calls for a compassionate and understanding approach. If you have no experience of addiction and you don’t know where to turn, consider these pointers:

• Open communication: Begin by having an open and non-judgmental conversation with the teen. Voice your concerns about substance abuse. Express your support and willingness to help them get through this challenging time.
• Professional evaluation: Seek a professional assessment from a healthcare provider, addiction specialist, or mental health professional. They can offer a comprehensive evaluation of the teen’s physical and mental health, substance use, and treatment recommendations.
• Treatment programs: Depending on the scope and severity of substance use, treatment options include outpatient programs, residential rehab, and therapy sessions with counselors specializing in adolescent substance abuse. Treatment should be tailored to fit the specific needs and circumstances of the teen.
• Family therapy: Addiction impacts the whole family, so involving the family unit in therapy sessions can streamline communication, address underlying issues, and strengthen the support system around the teen.
• Support groups: Encourage participation in peer support groups designed for teens. Programs like Alateen, Narcotics Anonymous Teen Groups, or local community groups can provide support, guidance, and a sense of belonging.
• Healthy lifestyle changes: Support the teen in making positive lifestyle changes that promote overall well-being. This includes encouraging a healthy diet, regular exercise, engaging with hobbies, and developing new coping mechanisms to handle life’s stressors more effectively.
• Hotlines and online resources: If you need immediate support and information, utilize online resources or addiction hotlines.
• Ongoing support and monitoring: Recovery from inhalant abuse is an ongoing process that may not always be linear. Be patient with any setbacks, celebrate recovery milestones, and remain actively involved in the teen’s progress.

Get Treatment for Drug Addiction at California Detox

If you or someone that you care about has developed substance use issues due to the influence of social media, we can help you recalibrate your life and develop healthier coping mechanisms.

Many people withdrawing from drugs or prescription medications benefit from supervised detoxification. We can help you with that at our Laguna Beach treatment center. Access medications and 24/7 to streamline the drug withdrawal process and ease the transition to ongoing treatment.

Expect to engage with a personalized range of the following therapies:

• Medication-assisted treatment
• Talk therapies
• Motivational therapies
• Holistic treatments
• Group therapy
• One-on-one counseling
• Family therapy
• Aftercare support

Call California Detox at 949.694.8305 and begin your recovery from drug addiction right away.