Addicted to household items? Let's talk about Inhalant Use Disorder!

Have you ever noticed a strange chemical smell coming from your child's clothes or breath? Perhaps you've noticed that his hands and fingers have strange paint stains. Or have you noticed a big change in his behavior, like he's not the same as before, and he's not interested in everything? Don't just ignore these things. These could be signs of a more serious, dangerous addiction than we realize.

Simply put, what is Inhalant Use Disorder?

In Sinhala, we call this "inhalant use-related illness". But in everyday usage, we call it chewing gum or using thinner. Simply put, this is the act of breathing in chemicals used for everyday household or other industrial tasks through the nose or mouth, with the intention of getting intoxicated. Other names for this are 'snorting', 'bagging' or 'huffing'.

Just think, there are over 1,000 types of products that can be used in this way. Some of these are:

• Model glue
• Spray paint
• Paint thinner
• Cleaning fluid
• Nail polish remover
• Gasoline
• Lighter fluid
• Oven cleaner

This is similar to addiction to other drugs. Because these chemicals directly stimulate the centers in our brain that control pleasure and satisfaction. This creates a strong urge to do this thing again and again. Over time, this becomes an uncontrollable addiction, and everything else in life takes a back seat. This leads to serious health problems and negative consequences that affect life.

How do you recognize someone who has this habit?

These are the signs that a person who is addicted to this habit, especially a young child, may show. It is very important to pay close attention to these.

Who is most at risk?

School-age children and young adults between the ages of 12 and 17 are most likely to fall prey to this habit. Some studies have shown that even children as young as 5 years old are trying these things. There are several main reasons for this:

• Easy to find: These things are available in almost every home.
• Low cost: These don't cost a lot of money to buy.
• Peer influence: We are tempted to do things because our friends are doing them.

Often this is the "first step" they take before turning to cigarettes, alcohol, or other harder drugs.

What is the long-term danger of this?

If this habit continues, it can lead to serious physical and mental complications. Sometimes, when addicted to these things, people may not think about their own safety and resort to things like unprotected sex.

Effects on physical health:

• Tuberculosis
• Sexually transmitted diseases such as HIV/AIDS
• Bronchitis and Asthma
• Respiratory diseases such as sinusitis

Effects on mental health:

• Severe depression and anxiety
• Inhalant-induced psychotic disorder
• Neurocognitive disorder (loss of memory and thinking ability due to brain damage)
• Severe delirium (inhalant intoxication delirium)

What are the treatments for this?

This is a condition that can be treated and cured, just like other addictions. The most important thing is to get help as soon as possible. The first step is to see a doctor and talk about it. The treatments that are usually used for this are:

• Individual Therapy: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is particularly effective. It teaches you how to face problematic situations, control your urges to use these substances, and deal with those thoughts.
• Family Counseling: This is very important because this problem affects not only the child but the entire family. This helps improve communication, relationships, and behavior patterns within the family.
• Activities and engagement programs: These help build new social connections and get used to a drug-free life through various activities such as watching movies and hiking.
• Support Groups: Joining groups for drug addicts, such as Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous, can reduce the risk of relapse.

For someone with a severe addiction, it may be best to seek treatment in a residential treatment center.

Risk of overdose - This is life-threatening!

Yes, you can. This is the most dangerous part of this habit. Some of the materials, especially solvents and sprays, contain very high concentrations of harmful chemicals.

Putting a plastic bag over your head and inhaling it can cause suffocation. Also, asphyxiation can occur when the lungs are filled with toxic fumes instead of oxygen.

If someone overdoses in this way and experiences an emergency, the immediate action is to take them to the nearest hospital's Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU). There is no specific antidote to reverse the effects of these toxins. Doctors provide life-saving treatment such as stopping seizures and restarting the heart.

How can you help someone close to you?

It's normal to feel a lot of shock and stress when you find out that someone you love is addicted to such a dangerous habit. But you can help them.

• Speak up, don't delay: If you see something like this, don't put it off, speak up quickly. Tell him or her about your concerns. The sooner you start treatment, the better the results.
• Listen with empathy: Even if you don't agree with what he's doing, listen carefully to what he's saying. When he feels like he can trust you, he'll be more likely to talk openly with you about his problems.
• Be patient: Don't think that one conversation or one action will solve this problem. This is a complex addiction. There are no quick fixes.
• Take care of yourself: You may feel stressed, anxious, and sad during this journey. That's normal. But it's important to take care of your own mental health. You can only help him if you stay strong. If necessary, seek counseling yourself.

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