Are you addicted to using household items to get high? Let's talk about (Inhalant Use Disorder)

Have you ever thought that some everyday household items, such as cleaning products, chewing gum, or spray paint, can be used to get you high? This can actually be a serious problem for some people. This is what we call `(Inhalant Use Disorder)`. Simply put, this is also a type of drug addiction. Let's talk about this in a little more detail today, because this is something we all need to be aware of.

What is this ``(Inhalant Use Disorder)''? Let's understand it simply, shall we?

Simply put, ``(Inhalant Use Disorder)`` is an addiction to trying to get high by inhaling certain chemicals found in everyday household items or workplaces. It is also called "snorting," "bagging" (sniffing into a bag) or "huffing" (sniffing into a piece of cloth). Just think, there are over 1,000 products that can be used this way! Here are some of them:

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

When you use these things, those chemicals go straight to the brain and immediately stimulate the ``reinforcement and reward systems'' in our brains. Just like other drugs. This is why these things can be so addictive. When a person becomes addicted to them, everything else in their life can take a back seat. This can have negative consequences not only for their health, but for their entire life.

Who is most susceptible to this? What are the risk factors?

This is really sad. Because, the majority of those who use these `(Inhalants)` are children and young people between the ages of 12 and 17. Surveys have shown that sometimes children as young as 5 years old have used these. Why do these young people resort to this? The main reason is that these things are cheap and easy to find. They are something that is available at home.

Just think, it's hard for a small child to buy a cigarette or a bottle of alcohol from the store. But it's not that hard to sneak a spray or a tube of gum from home.

Often, these young people start using inhalants before turning to cigarettes, alcohol, or other hard drugs. Also, men are more likely to be affected by this condition than women.

What are the symptoms of this? How do you recognize it?

If you suspect that your child or someone you know is addicted to something like this, pay attention to these signs.

Physically visible symptoms:

• There is a chemical smell on your breath or clothes.
• There are paint or other stains on your hands, fingers, or clothes.
• When speaking , words get tangled and unclear.
• Frequent runny nose or nosebleeds.
• There are sores or redness/inflammation of the skin around the nose and mouth.
• Always looks tired.

Behavioral changes:

• Shows apathy towards everything.
• There is a sudden loss of appetite and weight loss .
• Suddenly , friends change, hobbies change.
• There is a big setback in schoolwork .
• Their concern for cleanliness and order has decreased.

Mentally observable features:

• Confusion.
• Difficulty concentrating (Poor concentration).
• Depression.
• Getting angry for no reason, restless (Irritability).
• Hostility.
• Paranoia arises about others.

If you notice one or more of these symptoms, it is very important to pay attention to them.

What complications can this cause?

Long-term use of these ``(inhalants)'' can lead to many physical and psychological complications. Some of these are directly caused by drug use, while others are caused by other risks that come with drug use (e.g., unsafe sex, lack of stable housing).

Physical health problems:

• Tuberculosis
• HIV/AIDS
• Sexually transmitted infections
• Bronchitis
• Asthma
• Sinusitis

Mental health issues:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Inhalant-induced psychotic disorder
• Major or mild neurocognitive disorder
• Inhalant intoxication delirium

When you hear these things, you understand how serious this can be, right?

How do doctors determine this condition?

Doctors diagnose Inhalant Use Disorder according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). Simply put, this condition is diagnosed when repeated use of inhalants causes significant distress or harm to a person's life, or when there is a problematic pattern of use .

For a doctor to diagnose this condition, at least two of the following symptoms must be present within a year:

• Feeling a strong desire or urge to use inhalants.
• Even though there is a strong desire to stop using inhalants, efforts to do so fail.
• It takes a lot of time to find, use, and recover from inhalants.
• This causes problems at work, school, and in family relationships, but they continue to use inhalants.
• Inhalant use causes the abandonment of important professional, social, or recreational activities.
• Despite knowing the physical adverse effects of these, people continue to use inhalants.
• To get the same "high" you got before , you now need more and more of the inhalant (tolerance).

If you have any of these things, it's best to seek medical advice.

What are the treatments for this?

Fortunately, there are treatments for this condition, Inhalant Use Disorder. These treatments are largely similar to those used for other drug addictions.

• Individual therapy: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is particularly effective. It teaches you how to cope with stressful situations, control your urges to use drugs, and resist peer pressure.
• Family counseling: This helps improve communication, relationships, and behavior patterns within the family. Because family support is very valuable in this type of problem.
• Motivational interventions: This is a specific type of counseling that provides young people with the motivation they need to make changes in their lives.
• Activity and engagement programs: These provide new skills and social experiences. These are important as an alternative to inhalant use. These can include things like movie nights, dancing, and hiking. They can also help you meet new friends who don't use drugs.
• Support groups and 12-step programs: Examples include groups like `Alcoholics Anonymous` and `Narcotics Anonymous`. These help reduce the risk of relapse and maintain a drug-free life.

For those with severe addictions, treatment in a residential treatment program may provide the best results.

What happens if you overdose on inhalants? Is it dangerous?

Yes, it is definitely dangerous! Some products, especially solvents and aerosol sprays, contain high concentrations of harmful chemicals. Even a single inhalation of these can cause seizures, coma, and even sudden cardiac death. This can happen even to a first-time user.

Another dangerous thing is to inhale ``(Inhalants)`` while holding a paper or plastic bag over your head. This can cause suffocation and death. Also, inhaling these toxic fumes instead of oxygen in the lungs can cause death by asphyxiation.

If someone experiences an ``(Inhalant Overdose)'', emergency treatment is to treat the life-threatening condition at that time (e.g., stopping shock, restarting the heart). There is currently no specific treatment to reverse the effects of ``(Inhalant)'' intoxication.

Can this be prevented?

Yes, we can try to prevent this to some extent. Studies have shown that providing life skills training to young people at the school level has been able to reduce inhalant use. This life skills training focuses on:

• To improve self-esteem and communication skills.
• To develop personal relationships.
• To teach how to manage anxiety and pressure.

School-based programs like this have yielded good results.

Can we get out of this situation? What is the outlook?

The ability to recover from this condition and the prognosis depend on several factors.

• Severity of the disease.
• Level of addiction.
• Commitment to stop.
• Treatment time.
• How to deal with stressful situations.

The important thing is that with the right help, those suffering from this condition can recover and live normal, fulfilling lives. So, asking for help is the first step towards recovery. See your doctor and talk about this.

How can you help someone close to you if this is a victim?

It can be very stressful and challenging to know that someone you love is going through this. But you can help them.

• Talk to them right away: It's best to talk about it as soon as you realize there's a problem. The sooner someone with Inhalant Use Disorder gets treatment, the better. Talk to them about your concerns and help them find treatment as soon as possible.
• Listen with empathy: Even if you don't agree with his actions, listen carefully to what he has to say. The more he understands that "he listens to what I have to say," the more he will open up to you and see you as someone he can trust.
• Be patient: Don't think that one conversation or one action will solve the problem. Inhalant Use Disorder is a complex condition. There are no quick fixes.
• Take care of yourself: While you are helping, you may feel depressed, stressed, lonely, or sad. That's normal. But it's important to take care of your own mental health. The stronger you are, the better you can help someone else. If you need help, get help yourself.

Inhalant Use Disorder is an addiction that occurs when you use inhalants to get high. If you feel like your use of inhalants is affecting your health, relationships, work, school, or other aspects of your life, it's time to seek help. If you notice someone close to you exhibiting these symptoms, suggest that they get help as soon as possible. Like other substance abuse disorders, inhalant use disorder is a treatable condition. Talk to your doctor and take the first step toward recovery.

A summary of what we talked about (Take-Home Message)

Today we talked about a condition called ``Inhalant Use Disorder'' that many people may not be aware of, but can be very dangerous.

• Simply put, this is an addiction to getting "intoxicated" by smelling everyday household items (paint, gum, cleaners).
• Young children are most susceptible to this, because these things are easy to find.
• The symptoms of this can be physical, behavioral, and mental . It's important to be aware of them.
• This can cause serious health complications and even death .
• The best thing is, there are treatments for this. You can get help through things like `(Cognitive Behavioral Therapy - CBT)`, family counseling, and support groups.
• Prevention is also important. Programs that develop life skills at the school level help with this.
• If you or someone you know is suffering from this problem, please seek medical advice. The sooner you get help, the sooner you can recover.

Remember, you don't have to suffer alone in a situation like this. Asking for help is empowering.

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