Inhalant Withdrawal And Detox
What Is Inhalant Withdrawal?
While the risk of developing a physical dependence on Inhalants is relatively low, many users quickly become psychologically addicted. When a person addicted to Inhalants suddenly stops using them, their body goes through withdrawal.
Withdrawal symptoms are the body’s response to no longer having a substance it is dependent on. Because Inhalants are Central Nervous System (CNS) Depressants, the user’s physiological functions are suppressed when the drugs are used. When the person quits using, the functions that had been suppressed become overactive. This causes uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety and nausea, among others.
Symptoms of Inhalant withdrawal are typically mild, but the process can still be difficult. Addicted users are advised to consult a doctor before quitting Inhalants or to complete the withdrawal process at a drug treatment center.
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Symptoms Of Inhalant Withdrawal
Inhalant withdrawal symptoms can be both psychological and physical in nature. While symptoms are usually mild, those who have a long history of Inhalant abuse may experience severe symptoms.
Common and/or severe Inhalant withdrawal symptoms include:
- Hand tremors
- Irritability and agitation
- Excessive sweating
- Rapid heartbeat
- Runny eyes or nose
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Insomnia
- Cravings
- Hallucinations
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Psychosis
- Restlessness
- Mood changes
- Poor memory
- Difficulty concentrating
- Anger outbursts
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Duration Of Withdrawal
Withdrawal symptoms generally present within the first 24 to 48 hours after the last use. The duration and severity of symptoms vary from user to user, but most people go through the worst of withdrawal in about a week. Psychological withdrawal symptoms, such as cravings and depression, can last significantly longer than any physical symptoms. Some Inhalant users have reported suffering from psychological withdrawal for months after quitting. These unpleasant aftereffects of abuse are known as post-acute withdrawal symptoms, or PAWS. In some severe cases, PAWS can last up to 18-24 months.
Inhalant Withdrawal Timeline
It is not possible to produce a precise Inhalant withdrawal timeline, because there are a number of factors that influence the duration of each individual’s specific withdrawal. These factors include:
- Type of Inhalant(s) abused
- Specific product(s) abused
- The length of time the user abused Inhalants
- How frequently the user abused Inhalants
- Whether the user abused Inhalants in combination with other drugs
- The user’s mental health and medical history
- Gender
- Body weight
Despite these variables, it is possible to create a general Inhalant withdrawal timeline for the average Inhalant user.
| Days 1-2 | Physical symptoms are often the first to present and usually begin within 48 hours of quitting use. These symptoms may include hand tremors, sweating, vomiting, and, in severe cases, seizures. Psychological symptoms, such as anxiety, cravings, insomnia, and irritability, may also set in. In some cases, hallucinations or psychosis can present. |
|---|---|
| Days 3-7 | Over the next two to five days, most physical symptoms begin to fade. However, psychological symptoms often remain strong during this time. Depression may set in, and anxiety and insomnia will likely persist. In most cases, psychosis and hallucinations fade quickly. |
| Days 8+ | Over the next few weeks, most symptoms continue to fade until they’re nonexistent. Depression and cravings may linger as the user’s body continues to readjust. It may take a month or two for these symptoms to go away completely. |
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Inhalant Withdrawal: Detox
The Inhalant withdrawal process can be both physically and mentally taxing, putting recovering users at risk for relapse. To prevent relapse, it is recommended that patients detox in a drug treatment center under the supervision of experienced medical professionals.
It is crucial to provide the patient with an environment of safety that removes him or her from access to Inhalants.
While there are no medications specifically designated to help alleviate the symptoms of Inhalant withdrawal, doctors may recommend medications to help with nausea, sleeplessness, depression, and anxiety. Because Inhalant drugs have adverse short-term and long-term effects on the body, usage is not tapered off. Instead, patients must quit immediately upon entering a program.
Treatment For Inhalant Addiction
Getting treatment at an inpatient or outpatient treatment center will give Inhalant users a break from the day-to-day routine that’s sustained their current use disorder. Treatment for Inhalant addiction typically starts with medical detox, followed by various therapies to change the underlying thoughts and behaviors that led to the addiction. Support groups often play a large role throughout the treatment process, as well as after rehab comes to an end.
Featured Centers Offering Treatment for Inhalant Addiction
If you or someone you love is addicted to Inhalants, get help now. Contact a treatment provider today for help finding an Inhalant addiction treatment program.
Published:
Author
Jeffrey Juergens
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Jeffrey Juergens earned his Bachelor’s and Juris Doctor from the University of Florida. Jeffrey’s desire to help others led him to focus on economic and social development and policy making. After graduation, he decided to pursue his passion of writing and editing. Jeffrey’s mission is to educate and inform the public on addiction issues and help those in need of treatment find the best option for them.
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Reviewed by Certified Addiction Professional:
Theresa Parisi
Theresa Parisi is a Certified Addiction Professional (CAP), Certified Behavioral Health Case Manager (CBHCM), and International Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (ICADC) with over 12 years of experience in the addiction treatment field.
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Recovery Starts Today
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