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. The most common inhalant people abuse are whippits. A whippit is a general term used to describe the abuse of nitrous oxide, a dangerous inhalant gas that can cause severe brain damage and uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms.

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.

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:

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.

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.

Inhalant Withdrawal: Detox

The inhalant withdrawal process can be both physically and mentally taxing, putting recovering users at risk for relapse. Additionally, a new dangerous whippit brand called Galaxy Gas has become incredibly popular among recreational users, making its use more “socially acceptable,” which can make quitting difficult. 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.

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.