Volatile substance addiction and abuse

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• Volatile substances
• Laughing gas
• Inhalants
• Detox advice

What is drug addiction?

Drug addiction is a condition that is characterised by the compulsive use of drugs, despite the negative consequences that it has on the individual’s life. Drug addiction can be very harmful to both the individual and to those around them. It can affect a person’s physical and mental health, relationships and work or education. In some cases, drug addiction can lead to crime and homelessness as a person goes to extreme lengths to get the money needed to buy drugs.

You may be under the impression that drug addiction only refers to illegal drugs, but this isn’t the case. It can also mean addiction to legal drugs, such as prescription medications or inhalants. As a cheap and easily available option, these are an addiction risk that often go under the radar.

How does addiction develop?

There are various paths to addiction as it is a complex condition with different people having different underlying causes and triggers. For some people, addiction can be genetic and run in families. For others, it can be caused by trauma, a history of abuse or by mental health problems such as anxiety or depression. However addiction forms, it can have a huge impact on people’s lives and those of their loved ones.

What are the signs of addiction?

Recognising the signs of addiction in yourself or a loved one can be difficult because addiction is deceiving. However, some of the common signs to look out for include:

What are volatile substances?

Volatile substances are substances that can be be inhaled to experience a high. While they are not intended to be used as drugs, many people do abuse them in this way. They can be found in everyday household products and are often used as a way to experience short-term relaxation. Volatile substances are absorbed into the blood very quickly when they are inhaled, which means they have a rapid and powerful effect. Some examples of volatile substances include:

What is laughing gas?

When laughing gas is inhaled, it can cause feelings of euphoria and relaxation. It is often taken by filling a balloon with the gas and inhaling it and is often used as a way to get high at parties or clubs. The effects of laughing gas usually last for a few minutes, during which time people may feel light-headed, dizzy and laugh uncontrollably. Laughing gas has various nicknames, including ‘happy gas’, ‘ hippy crack’ and ‘nos’.

Is laughing gas dangerous?

Laughing gas abuse is very dangerous and can be potentially fatal. In the short term, laughing gas can cause dizziness, nausea and vomiting. In the long term, it can cause serious health problems, including brain damage, heart attacks and asphyxiation. Laughing gas is particularly dangerous if the user has also been drinking alcohol or taking other types of substances, as it can increase the risk of death.

What are inhalants?

An inhalant is a drug that is inhaled in order to get high. They affect the brain very quickly because they are absorbed into the bloodstream and can cause feelings of euphoria, dizziness and light-headedness. Inhalants are found in many household products such as:

Are inhalants addictive?

Inhalants are highly addictive and can lead to dependency very quickly. Inhalants can also be addictive because they are so easy to get hold of, which means it is very easy for a person to use them regularly. The more someone uses inhalants, the more tolerant they become to the effects and the more they need to use to get high. Addiction often occurs when heavy use becomes compulsive. Unlike illegal drugs like heroin or cocaine, inhalants are cheap and legal and can be bought in shops or online, so it is easy to feed the compulsive need.

Signs and symptoms of inhalant addiction

A common sign of illegal drug use is paraphernalia such as needles, pipes or drug bags. However, detecting inhalant use or addiction can be more difficult because it involves everyday household products so there is often less evidence. You can still look out for physical signs of inhalant use, however, including:

Is getting high on volatile substances at home dangerous?

Yes, getting high at home using any of the substances mentioned on this page is extremely dangerous. Not only is there the potential for addiction and health problems from using them in isolation, but there is also the risk of death from accidental overdose or as a result of mixing these substances with alcohol or other drugs.

Loss of consciousness, asphyxiation and heart attacks can come on very quickly when using inhalants, and people may not be able to get help in time. This is particularly true when using laughing gas, as it can cause people to become deeply relaxed and unaware of their surroundings.

Who is at risk of volatile substance addiction?

Inhalants are particularly dangerous because they are so accessible and affordable. This means that they are particularly appealing to young people who may have limited resources to buy drugs. Inhalants are also appealing to people who are struggling with other forms of addiction, as they provide a quick and easy way to get high.

Help for volatile substance abuse and drug addiction

If you or someone you know is addicted to inhalants, there is help available. There are a number of specialist facilities that offer treatment for inhalant addiction. At our private drug rehabilitation centres, we take a holistic approach to addiction treatment providing all our clients with comprehensive inpatient programmes. These include addiction detox, a range of different addiction therapies and a full aftercare programme to ensure that our clients have the best possible chance of overcoming their addiction to drugs.

Inhalants and volatile substances are very dangerous and have the potential to cause serious health problems and addiction. It is important to be aware of the dangers of these substances and to seek help if you or someone you know is struggling with an addiction.

For more information about UKAT’s private drug rehab centres, get in touch with us today so we can discuss your treatment options.