Inhalant use disorder also referred to as inhalant abuse, is when you become addicted to the chemicals contained in inhalants. This could mean anything from the chemicals in cans of spray paint to the chemicals contained in household cleaners or glue. Essentially, anything that you can inhale and get high off of can be considered a potential source of an inhalant use disorder.
Inhalant use disorder is a tricky form of addiction because the things you use to get high are readily available and even legal. It is also tricky because you can inadvertently develop inhalant use disorder if you work repeatedly with chemicals, such as being a painter or drywaller. However, as with all forms of substance abuse, it is important to overcome inhalant use disorder so that you can live a long, healthy, and functional life.
The first step to overcoming any type of addiction is to admit that you have a problem. It is next to impossible to stop using inhalants if you do not see the danger involved in doing so. It is also extremely difficult to overcome your disorder if you cannot admit that you have one.
If you know someone who has inhalant use disorder, but refuses to admit it or seek help, consider staging an intervention for them. The keys to a successful intervention are that they are performed with love and care so that the person you are intervening for does not feel judged or threatened.
Once you or someone you know admits they have an inhalant use disorder and sees that they need help, the next step is withdrawal. Also known as detoxification, withdrawal is the process of your body withdrawing from the effects of the chemicals you are inhaling. During detox, you will likely experience extreme cravings, night sweats, fever, nausea, vomiting, and other uncomfortable symptoms.
Because of how difficult withdrawal is, you may benefit from going through it at an inpatient or outpatient rehabilitation facility. At rehab facilities, medical personnel will be on hand to help you through withdrawal and to keep you safe throughout the process. You can also opt to enlist the help of friends and family and go through withdrawal in the comfort of your home. Either way, seeking help is important because going through withdrawal alone is extremely difficult.
Once the drugs are completely out of your system, you will still experience cravings from time to time. Therefore, you will go through a period known as post-withdrawal recovery. During this stage, you may need various forms of counselling and therapy to aid you in your recovery.
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is one-on-one counselling with a professional therapist or psychiatrist. The goal of CBT is to help you understand your cravings and how to suppress them when they strike.
Massage therapy is helpful in reducing stress and tension, which are two of the leading causes of relapse.
Group therapy, where you sit and talk with others who used to have inhalant use disorder, can provide strength in numbers.
Family counselling can help you understand how your disorder affects those around you and hurts them.
Following the initial recovery stage, you should continue to seek ongoing care and assistance. Typically, this is in the form of counselling and support groups to keep you accountable and away from inhalants.
While overcoming inhalant use disorder is extremely difficult, it is possible with enough determination and by seeking the right form of treatment. However, as anyone will tell you, addiction recovery is a lifelong journey and you will still face cravings and temptations following withdrawal and recovery. Therefore, it is important that you continue to seek therapy and help to prevent relapses.