Huffing, also referred to as sniffing or inhalant abuse, is the act of breathing in fumes from common household products to achieve a state of euphoria, including the potential for hallucinations. Despite inducing an immediate high, huffing is a particularly dangerous form of substance abuse associated with serious health risks. Read on to learn more about the addictive potential of this substance and find out how to connect with evidence-based treatment near you.
Is Huffing Addictive
NIDA (National Institute on Drug Abuse) flag the addictive potential of huffing paint due to the euphoric effects triggered by inhaling toluene. Toluene is a substance that stimulates pleasure centers in the brain and triggers dopamine release, similar to other addictive substances like nicotine and alcohol. The exact mechanics of addiction are complex, but the dopamine system plays a key role.
Inhalant abuse is predominantly seen in children and teenagers with limited access to other drugs, although some adults also engage in this practice for its intoxicating effects.
There’s ongoing discussion about the development of physical dependence through inhalant abuse. Setting aside the issue of dependence, people abusing inhalants often exhibit addictive behaviors similar to those associated with alcohol, opioids, or anti-anxiety medication misuse.
Withdrawal from inhalants typically manifests as psychological and emotional symptoms, and seizures may occur in some cases. Compulsive use of a substance to avoid withdrawal symptoms is indicative of a substance use disorder (the clinical term for addiction). This cycle of behavior often inflames the issues and dysfunctions related to substance abuse.
Understanding Huffing Addiction
What is huffing addiction, then? Inhalant addiction happens when someone uses inhalants a lot, and it causes problems or makes them feel bad. Studies show that 7 out of 10 people with this addiction also suffer from mood disorders, anxiety disorders, or personality disorders.
You might have an inhalant addiction if two or more of these things happen in a year:
- Using inhalants more or for longer than you meant to.
- Wanting to cut down but not being able to achieve this.
- Spending lots of time getting, using, or feeling sick from inhalants.
- Wanting to use inhalants often.
- Using inhalants so much that it causes problems in your job, school, or home life.
- Still using inhalants even though they cause problems with friends or family.
- Giving up important activities because of inhalant use.
- Using inhalants in risky situations.
- Continuing to use inhalants even when they hurt your body or mind.
- Needing more inhalants to get the same effect or feeling less effect from the same amount.
Withdrawal from inhalants is usually not severe, and DSM-5-TR (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) doesn’t count withdrawal as a main sign of inhalant addiction.
Why do People Huff?
People might start using inhalants for many different reasons. These substances are often easily found in everyday household or workplace products, making them a convenient choice for those who can’t access other drugs. Inhalants are also cheaper than many other drugs, offering a low-cost way for people with limited funds to get high. They work quickly, delivering an almost instant high, which is attractive to those looking for rapid relief from their problems.
Since many inhalants are legal, people might think they’re safer or less likely to get them in trouble with the law. The high from inhalants can include euphoria or hallucinations, providing a temporary escape from emotional or psychological issues. Younger people might try them out of curiosity or peer pressure.
Sometimes, people who are already addicted to other drugs might use inhalants as a backup or alongside their usual substance, especially if they can’t get their usual drug. If someone is accustomed to other drugs, they might turn to inhalants to get a stronger or different high.
Huffing Addiction Treatment
Treating huffing addiction requires a comprehensive approach, integrating both physical and psychological care. The treatment typically begins with detoxification to safely manage withdrawal symptoms under medical supervision.
Following detox, individualized therapy sessions help address the underlying reasons for substance abuse and enable the person to develop coping strategies for ongoing sober living. Group therapy can also be beneficial, providing peer support and shared experiences.
Beyond this, family therapy might be recommended to improve communication and support systems.
Ongoing support and aftercare can be instrumental in maintaining long-term recovery, which may include support groups, ongoing counseling, or outpatient services. Keep in mind that recovery is a journey, and each individual’s path is unique. Here’s how you can go about engaging with personalized and evidence-based huffing addiction treatment in California.
Get Treatment for Huffing Addiction at California Detox
Most people withdrawing from drugs find that supervised medical detoxification provides the most straightforward route to recovery. At California Detox, we can help you begin your recovery the right way with access to medications and clinical care streamlining your withdrawal process.
You can tackle the psychological aspect of huffing abuse when you transition to ongoing inpatient treatment at our beachside facility in Laguna Beach, CA. Due to unique nature of all addictions, you can access personalized treatments that include:
- Medication-assisted treatment
- Talk therapies like CBT or DBT
- Group therapy
- Family therapy
- Holistic treatments
- Individual counseling
- Aftercare and support
For help addressing huffing addiction from detox to discharge and beyond, call California Detox today at 949.694.8305.
