Inhalant Addiction Treatment Program

Inhalant Addiction Destroys and Takes Lives

Inhalant addiction is a rare but incredibly dangerous disease that can have severe physical effects. People with inhalant addiction have a dependence upon inhaling things like paint thinner, gasoline, nitrous oxide (often in the form of “whippets,” a street-drug version that comes in refillable whipped cream canisters), glue, computer duster spray, and more.

Whippet drug use and other inhalant abuse give the user a euphoric high but can also cause a detachment from reality, nausea, and vomiting. In some cases, users can inhale a fatal overdose of such a dangerous substance, which usually occurs due to heart failure, asphyxiation, or a complete inability to breathe on one’s own.

The Signs and Symptoms of Inhalant Abuse

In addition to the potentially fatal repercussions of inhalant use, there are a number of common signs of inhalant abuse that can be a tip-off for the addict’s friends and loved ones. Symptoms like anxiety, appearing drunk, weak appetite, mouth sores, red eyes, a runny nose, strange-smelling breath, or even paint or other substance stains on their person can be dead giveaways. Unfortunately, many of the effects of inhalants are somewhat short-lived, which can make some symptoms hard to spot.

Because teenagers are the most common abusers of inhalants, it’s important for parents and teachers to be aware of these signs and take appropriate action should they arise. However, with vigilance, parents can identify the issue early and help an inhalant addict seek help before it’s too late. 

Getting the family member you are concerned about into an inhalant addiction treatment program as soon as possible is especially important given the risk of sudden sniffing death syndrome associated with inhalant abuse, a type of chemical poisoning that can cause an adrenaline rush that stops the heart.

An inhalant abuse problem can also cause death by leading to trauma if the person abusing inhalants becomes unconscious and hits their head. And abusing inhalants can also cause symptoms as wide-ranging and disturbing as bone marrow damage, temporary blindness, anemia, brain damage, and limb spasms.

Besides these physical risks, those who regularly engage in inhalant abuse may develop an inhalant use disorder, a mental illness belonging to the broader category of “substance use disorders” and characterized by someone’s compulsive need to abuse inhalants despite the fact that their substance abuse is causing them profound negative consequences.

Along with a psychological dependency, they may also develop a chemical dependency on inhalant abuse, meaning that they may experience withdrawal symptoms if they stop using inhalants. Inhalant withdrawal symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, headache, trembling, disturbed sleep, depression, anxiety, and inhalant craving. However, more rarely, more serious withdrawal symptoms like hallucinations, seizures, and irregular heartbeat can occur.

Because of this, inpatient treatment centers are sometimes recommended for the early stages of inhalant abuse treatment, which may involve medical detoxification. In inpatient rehab, a treatment provider can supervise the detox process and offer appropriate treatment interventions in the event of a medical emergency. Later in the process, other types of treatment programs, such as intensive outpatient programs, may be equally appropriate for some patients’ needs.

As opposed to an inpatient program (also known as residential treatment), outpatient programs do not require patients to live at their treatment facility 24/7. Instead, they report to their treatment center regularly for specialized treatment, usually for a few hours per day on three to five days per week.

Residential treatment programs are generally a good option for those whose substance use disorder or other mental health problems are severe enough that they are a risk to themselves if not in residential rehab. But an outpatient inhalant addiction treatment program will allow patients who are stable enough to enjoy greater freedom during their inhalant abuse treatment.

Regain Control With Compassionate Drug Abuse Treatment from RECO Intensive

RECO Intensive is a unique, empathetic alcohol and drug addiction treatment center located in beautiful Delray Beach, FL. We are recognized as a leading provider among rehab centers, and our professional team of rehabilitation experts is dedicated to providing the highest standard of care during the difficult transition out of inhalants addiction and into freedom.

At RECO, our primary mission is to restore light and color to your (or your loved one’s) life by providing effective treatment in a safe, respectful, and caring environment. We understand the struggle and darkness that is an addiction; many members of our team have walked that same road before you.

At RECO Intensive, our first step is to guide clients carefully through the detox process. During this initial phase, you will be monitored by medical professionals to ensure your health and safety.

From there, you’ll be offered a variety of treatment plan options as you continue your therapeutic process, including residential care (living and working your program on the premises), partial hospitalization (for those unable to do full-time treatment), intensive outpatient treatment (for those who don’t need detox), and sober living (secure, drug-free housing, often used in conjunction with an intensive outpatient program).

Each patient’s individualized treatment plan will be carefully designed with their unique background in mind. Those who seek treatment for drug or alcohol abuse at our addiction rehab center will have access to a variety of treatment options.

Individual therapy sessions will be at the center of our treatment program. Treatment methods used in individual therapy include scientifically backed therapeutic forms like cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavioral therapy. The strategies these treatment programs impart can help patients at our rehab center address co-occurring disorders of mental health as well as their addictions.

If a co-occurring disorder requires medication, our treatment center also has a psychiatrist on staff who can help patients in inhalant treatment rebalance their mental health via medication management.

We also offer family therapy, which allows family members to play a part in their loved one’s recovery process via enlightening group therapy sessions. Group therapy opportunities also include group sessions giving patients a chance to connect with one another.

No matter what path you choose at RECO Intensive, we’ll help you stay on the sober path with support groups and resources for long-term aftercare, protecting the progress you made in inhalant addiction treatment.

Learn more about inhalant addiction treatment offered at Reco Intensive by calling our recovery helpline at (855) 799-1035 today to help yourself or your loved one get started on your journey to sobriety. There’s no time like the present to get back on the road to a brighter future.