Do I Have Inhalant Use Disorder?

Do you take the inhalant substance often in larger amounts or over a longer period than was intended?

Do you experience a persistent desire or unsuccessful efforts to cut down or control use of the inhalant substance?

Do you spend a great deal of your time in activities necessary to obtain the inhalant substance, use it or recover from its effects?

Do you experience craving or a strong desire or urge to use the inhalant substance?

Do you recurrently use the inhalant substance resulting in a failure to fulfill major role obligations at work, school or home?

Do you continuously use the inhalant substance despite having persistent or recurrent social or interpersonal problems caused or exacerbated by the effects of its use?

Do you give op on or reduce important social, occupational or recreational activities because of use of the inhalant substance?

Do you recurrently use the inhalant substance in situations in which it is physically hazardous?

Do you continue using the inhalant substance despite knowledge of having a persistent or recurrent physical or psychological problem that is likely to have been caused or exacerbated by the substance?

Do you experience a need for markedly increased amounts of the inhalant substance to achieve intoxication or desired effect or do you experience a markedly diminished effect with continued use of the same amount of the inhalant substance?

Based on your answers it is unlikely that you have inhalant use disorder.

While it is unlikely that you have inhalant use disorder, you are displaying a sign related to it. Inhalant-use disorder involves the abuse of substances that will make you ‘high’ when inhaled. This can include for example glue or paint. The substances are breathed in through the mouth or sniffed through the nose. This can cause dangerous health problems, such as seizures, coma and even death. Addiction to inhalants is rare, but it’s not impossible. You may want to see your doctor if you are concerned about your symptoms or if you would like to receive more information about the disorder.

Unfortunately, you are displaying the symptoms typically seen among individuals who have inhalant use disorder. Seeking medical support is of high importance. Inhalant-use disorder can be diagnosed if you have a pattern of intoxication and if your symptoms have a negative impact on your daily functioning. Little research has been conducted on the disorder, therefore it is not clear yet what are the best ways to treat inhalant use disorder. Inhalant overdose can cause seizures and heart problems. Usually, cognitive behavioral therapy and/or family therapy can help manage symptoms and also give support to loved ones.