Am I Addicted to Inhalants?

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 are addicted to inhalants. People often use inhalants that are common household goods: products that are easily accessible and cheap, such as paint thinner and glue. Inhaling the vapors of these products is dangerous, even with one-time use. They can cause respiratory problems and heart failure, leading to a fatal overdose. While relatively uncommon, there is a possibility that someone can develop an addiction to inhalants. If you use inhalants, it may be very important to seek medical attention as soon as possible.

While it is unlikely that you have inhalant use disorder (an addiction to inhalants), 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 getting rid of dangerous habits or addictions.

Unfortunately, you are displaying symptoms typically seen among individuals who have inhalant use disorder. Seeking medical support is of high importance. Inhalants are just as (if not more!) dangerous as many other drugs. 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. Until today, little research has been conducted on the disorder, therefore it is still unclear 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 to manage symptoms and also to give support to loved ones.