"The number one symptom for the chemically or behaviorally dependent person is denial."

Drug Intervention Information: Inhalants
Inhalants are a diverse group of volatile substances whose vapors can be inhaled to produce mind-altering effects. While other abused substances can be inhaled, the term “inhalants” is used to describe substances that are rarely, if ever, taken by any other route of administration. A variety of products common in the home and workplace contain substances that can be inhaled to get high; however, people do not typically think of these products (spray paints, glues, and cleaning fluids) as drugs because they were never intended to induce intoxicating effects. Yet young children and adolescents can easily obtain these extremely toxic substances, and are among those most likely to abuse them. Inhalants cause severe nerve and organ damage as well as oxygen deprivation.

Abuse
Abuse of inhalants means the “self-inflicted maltreatment, injury or damage to oneself with inhalants.” This damage includes the physical as well as social and financial effects on this person. The far-reaching destruction will reach friends, family, co-workers and others in the social sphere of the addict. People in the addict’s life can become victims, but are often enablers of the behavior, by allowing it to continue.

Addiction and Dependency
Inhalant dependency is when the body develops both a physical and psychological need for inhalants. Other symptoms often present are increased tolerance as well as withdrawal. The addict often times wants to rid him or herself of their addiction, but without professional help, a premature death is more probable.