What Are 6 Signs That Someone You Know May Be Addicted to Inhalants?
Inhalant addiction can be stealthy, creeping into lives without the stark warnings that accompany other substances. If you’re worried someone close might be spiraling into this haze, look out for these tell-tale signs.
1. Is their energy level on a perpetual roller coaster?
One minute they’re bouncing off the walls, and the next, they’re slumped over, barely able to keep their eyes open. Inhalants can send users on wild energy fluctuations. If your buddy seems to be riding this unpredictable wave, it might not just be their quirky personality at play.
2. Have you spotted an unusual collection of aerosols, markers, or glues in their space?
It’s not about a sudden interest in arts and crafts. People abusing inhalants often accumulate these substances. If your friend’s room looks more like a hardware store than a living space, it’s a red flag.
3. Are there chemical odors lingering on their breath or clothing?
If you’re catching whiffs of something that reminds you of paint thinner or gasoline during movie night, it’s not the popcorn. Inhalants leave a distinct chemical trail that’s hard to mask.
4. Have you noticed paint or stains on their face or hands that just don’t make sense?
It’s not the aftermath of a failed art project. These marks can be a direct result of inhalant use, where the substance leaves its telltale signs physically on the person.
5. Do they seem disoriented or confused during everyday conversations?
It’s not just an off day. Regular inhalant use can cloud the mind, leading to noticeable lapses in memory or an inability to engage in coherent conversation. If they’re frequently lost in a fog during your chats, it might be time for a heart-to-heart.
6. Are mood swings turning your interactions into emotional minefields?
Not knowing which version of them you’re going to get can be exhausting. Inhalant abuse can cause severe mood fluctuations, turning even the most predictable person into a box of emotional surprises.
Recognizing these signs in someone can be the first step toward helping them find their way out of the haze. Addiction to inhalants is serious but often flies under the radar. If these signs hit close to home, reaching out for professional help could be a game-changer in their life.
Questions to ask YOURSELF about your Inhalant use:
Certainly, focusing on directness and clarity for an audience potentially struggling with inhalant addiction:
- Do you find yourself dipping into household supplies for a quick high, even when you know it’s sketchy?
- If yes, it’s a glaring sign that inhalants have taken a priority over common sense and safety. This behavior can lead to serious health risks, including brain damage or sudden death from “sudden sniffing syndrome.”
- Ever bailed on plans with friends or family because you’d rather be getting high alone?
- Choosing inhalants over social interactions signifies addiction’s isolating effect. This withdrawal can strain relationships and increase feelings of loneliness and depression.
- Caught yourself lying about how much or often you’re using inhalants?
- If you’re hiding your usage, it’s likely because deep down, you know it’s harmful. This dishonesty can create a web of deceit affecting trust and openness with loved ones.
- Noticed a drop in your grades or job performance since you started using inhalants?
- Inhalants can impair cognitive functions, leading to a noticeable decline in academic or professional achievements. This impact on your future prospects is a significant negative consequence of inhalant use.
- Do you experience headaches or feel nauseous when you haven’t used inhalants for a while?
- Physical symptoms like these upon cessation are withdrawal signs, indicating physical dependence on inhalants. This dependence can lead to continued use despite wanting to quit, trapping you in a cycle of addiction.
- Have you tried to cut back or quit using inhalants but found you couldn’t stick with it?
- Struggling to quit despite your intentions is a hallmark of addiction. This cycle can feel defeating and perpetuate a sense of being trapped by your inhalant use.
Each “yes” answer sheds light on the reality of inhalant addiction’s grip on your life, underscoring the urgency for seeking help and considering rehab. Remember, reaching out for support is a sign of strength, not weakness.
