Key Takeaways

• Inhalant consumption can have serious implications for both mental and physical well-being that can yield potential long-term cognitive and emotional problems.
• Co-occurring mental illness presents barriers to recovery that require specific treatment for adults.
• Early intervention and professional support from drug addiction services presents better outcomes and risk of relapsing.
• Specific treatment that includes at least medical detox and supportive services is critical for integrated care.
• Knowledge of treatment options helps inform families and individuals to make better choices regarding their care. 

Introduction

Inhalant abuse is an under-recognized serious form of substance misuse that disproportionately impacts adults who also suffer from mental health limitations disproportionately. Inhalants are typically found in common household items like aerosol sprays, cleaning fluids, or solvents. During abuse, inhalants are inhaled for a quickly achieved “high.” The fleeting emotional effects may come across as not being problematic, however exposing the brain to chemicals on inflating mental health issues can lead to serious emotional, cognitive, and even physical concerns. Professional drug addiction services provide essential support to adults who are very much impacted by the interplay of substance misuse and mental illness.

It is understandable that the road to recovery from a co-occurring issue can present considerable challenges as a result of the complexity of both the substance misuse issues as well as the mental health symptoms without comprehensive treatment.  Integrated programs that treat physical addiction, behavioral interventions, and aftercare services that provides support for the person or family units to engage with symptoms associated with both emotional and mental health systems, since potentially one created a mindset that added to the suffering of ongoing symptoms of mental illness.

What Are the Risks of Inhalant Abuse for Adults With Mental Illness?

Inhalants are frequently overlooked as a source of danger based on insufficient science and repeat circumstances, but there are many inherent health-related risks associated with misuse. The short-term risk of misuse can produce dizziness, nausea, headaches, confusion, and increased heart rate. Long-term risks can result in organ damage, neurological deficits, and persistent and long-term emotional disturbances to include anxiety and depression. In addition, inhalant use can also increase impulsive behavior and aggression, which may exacerbate underlying psychiatric illness. 

Adults with mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, or bi-polar disorder are likely to be at risk. It is not uncommon for substance use to modify emotional pain in the short term, but over time of repeated closet use, inhalants can exacerbate the underlying psychiatric symptoms. In addition, all inhalants act as addiction phases that create a cyclical addiction process, which can develop or require an intervention and treatment to recover from. As repeated use progresses over time, impaired cognitive functioning develops, memory issues or loss, and increased struggles to maintain employment and relationships.

How Do Drug Addiction Services Address These Challenges?

Drug addiction services offer organized, professional help for adults dealing with inhalant abuse and mental health challenges associated with inhalant use. The service will start with a comprehensive assessment to determine the severity of substance use, whether there are any co-occuring mental health diagnoses, and to assess physical health. After this assessment, a clinician assembles an individualized treatment plan (ITP) that focuses on all the aspects of the patient’s recovery.

Following the assessment, the next step is to begin a Medical detoxification . Medical detoxification assists patients with Physical symptoms (withdrawal symptoms) and other health-related concerns during this process, as patients would then be carefully monitored for any potential medical emergencies or health complications. Medical detoxification is considered a common practice to stabilize a patient in need and to receive help before stating more intensive therapy. Therefore, the time and help received during medical detoxification can enhance the probability of intervening and achieving more effective therapies after completing the detoxification process.

In addition to assisting patients with their stability (physically), patients receive counseling to address mental aspects of their addiction. Behavioral psychotherapy is utilized, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and motivational interviewing that helps individuals identify thought and behavior patterns that can labor to substance misuse, relapse or continued use; for example, addiction-related circumstances. Patients learn coping helpers for thoughts and triggers or stressors they will inevitably encounter after completing therapy, to lessen the chance of a relapse resulting from substance-related activities.

What Role Do Dual Diagnosis Facilities Play in Recovery?

A dual diagnosis facility specializes in treatment for people suffering from a dual diagnosis of a substance use disorder and a co-occurring mental health disorder. The center is set up in a way that prevents one or the other from being treated in a vacuum, so each individual is provided treatment for each problem. 

Dual diagnosis treatment programs use a combination of evidence-based therapies to treat emotional, cognitive, and behavioral challenges during treatment. For instance, a patient might attend individual therapy sessions focusing on trauma, as well as group therapy focused on relapse prevention and some social support. This form of treatment addresses the immediate impact of inhalant abuse, but allows patients to develop longer-term strategies to cope with ongoing mental health symptoms. 

Additionally, research shows that people treated in a dual diagnosis program, on average, experience higher recovery rates because they can address both the addiction and the underlying psychiatric diagnosis. This enables patients to deal with stressors more effectively, regulate their emotions better, and sustain sobriety longer after they complete treatment.

How Does Ongoing Recovery Support Improve Long-Term Outcomes?

Recovery does not end after undergoing a detoxification or initial treatment process. Continuing support is critical to remaining sober, preventing relapse, and developing the personal beacons to managing triggers. Formats of structured follow-up programs include individual therapy, group therapy, family support, or access to peer support groups.

Adults who engage ongoing recovery support programs tend to report improved emotional well-being, increased coping skills, and a greater commitment to personal responsibility. Continuing to engage with care professionals also allows for early detection of warning signs, timely intervention, and reinforcement of new, healthy habits. Recovery support also encourages life skills, stress competencies, and community reintegration which are all very important for long-term independence and well-being.

How Can Families Support a Loved One During Treatment?

Family involvement is an important part of a successful recovery. The loved one can provide emotional support, monitor progress, and reinforce what has been learned from treatments. Open communication, patience and understanding provide an environment where the family member feels supported rather than judged. 

Families are also encouraged to learn more about ingesting inhalants and the co-occurring mental health disorders that can arise. If families understand the challenges associated with inhalant abuse and the treatment options available, they can better participate in the recovery journey. Families can also draw on experts’ resources (including drug addiction services) to help them make informed decisions, provide accountability, and establish a supportive home environment that facilitates long-term recovery.
Real-Life Implications and Recovery Success

Recovery stories from adults who are now functioning well after inhalant use demonstrate exactly how important integrated care can be. One adult shared with us that he had been diagnosed with chronic anxiety and was using inhalants chronically. He entered a dual-diagnosis program that allowed him to enter into a professional relationship with a psychiatrist through which he received the addiction counseling he needed. He continued in recovery, participating in continuing recovery support, group therapy, and family support, and was able to build confidence, repair relationships, and achieve some stability in mental health and daily living.

For many, examples of recovery in action are very inspirational. Educational resources and personal narratives drive the message of possibility through treatment and effort. These stories also serve as a reminder to the person and family that what might feel like a distant goal it is a goal that emerges through sustainable effort and commitment, not from a sudden change in process.

Conclusion

When inhalant use and mental illness overlap, it can represent difficult challenges, but recovery is possible through the right methods. Comprehensive drug addiction services that offer medical detox, dual diagnosis, and continuing recovery programs have the tools to create sustainable change and health.

For compassionate, evidence-based care, individuals and families can turn to Virtue Recovery Center . Call 866-461-3339and learn how their programs can help your loved one recover.

FAQs

What are some common indicators of inhalant abuse among adults? 

Indicators may include frequent migraines, dizziness, slurred speech, chemical smells on clothes or breath, and drastic mood swings. Extended use of inhalants may produce difficulties with cognition, as well as damage to organs. 

Is mental illness a precursor to addiction? 

Yes, individuals with depression, anxiety, or other psychiatric disorders may begin using inhalants to relieve symptoms, causing deterioration to mental health conditions and worsening addiction. 

What makes dual diagnosis treatment effective? 

Dual diagnosis treatment treats both addiction and underlying mental health conditions at the same time, which reduces the risk of relapse, while supporting a more holistic recovery process with long-term recovery goals. 

How long does medical detoxification take? 

Duration is unpredictable, lasting days by substance, severity, and other shared medical conditions; detox is carefully monitored and supervised to ensure safety in a medically supervised environment, while managing withdrawal symptoms. 

Are family members involved in recovery? 

Yes, family education is typically included in treatment to improve family supports, family communication, and overall sustainability of long-term recovery.

Resources

• Drug and Inhalant Abuse: A Review, National Library of Medicine, 2010. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2948777/
• Substance Abuse Treatment for Persons With Co-Occurring Disorders, National Library of Medicine, 2005. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC1592311/
• Treatment for Substance Use Disorders, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2023. https://www.cdc.gov/overdose-prevention/treatment/index.html