Inhalants Rehab

Inhalant abuse is rising on social media, particularly among children and teens, with about 1 in 5 students using inhalants by eighth grade. Early treatment for inhalant addictions includes various options, such as rehab centers and counseling.

Kent S. Hoffman, D.O. is a founder of Addiction Help
Written by
Medically reviewed by Kent S. Hoffman, D.O.
Last updated February 10, 2025

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What Is Inhalant Addiction Rehab?

Drug rehabs are programs where people addicted to inhalants or other substances can get medical and mental health treatment.

Inhalants are chemical compounds that people breathe in for their euphoric or relaxing effects. They can be found in illicit drugs or common household products and present a danger of overdoses, brain and organ damage, and other harmful effects.

Rehab can help you safely transition off substances like inhalants.

While there currently isn’t a standard medical detox program for inhalants, some evidence indicates that medicines used to treat alcohol withdrawals (like benzodiazepines and barbiturates)n may also help manage inhalant withdrawal symptoms.

Who Should Consider Rehab for Inhalant Addiction?

Not everyone who abuses inhalants is addicted to them. An older 2006 study of inhalant users found that 8% of the sample size met the criteria for addiction or dependence. People who fall into this group may benefit from seeking treatment at rehab.

Signs of an inhalant addiction or dependence include: 

  • Spending more and more time getting, using, or recovering from inhalants.
  • Building up a tolerance
  • Giving up important work, school, or social responsibilities for inhalants
  • Failing to quit inhalants on your own
  • Continuing to use inhalants, despite knowing they cause problems in your life
  • Craving inhalants when you don’t use them

Types of Inhalants Rehab Programs

Rehab isn’t a “one-size-fits-all” way to treat inhalant addiction. There are different types of rehab centers where you can seek help, which are suitable for varying levels of addiction.

Inpatient Inhalants Rehab

People with more severe or intense inhalant addictions may benefit from inpatient rehab. You’ll live at the rehab clinic during your treatment, which may be at a hospital or non-medical residential facility.

Many inpatient programs offer round-the-clock care and supervision, ideal for people who don’t want to be alone.

The time commitment for inpatient rehab depends on the specific program. However, many programs have stay periods of 30, 60, or 90 days, although some may be longer or shorter.

Outpatient Inhalants Rehab

People with mild to moderate inhalant addictions may be better suited for outpatient rehab. These programs take place at hospitals, medical clinics, or non-medical facilities, and you’ll visit them for appointments while living at home.

Outpatient rehab can be a good option for people who can’t take time off work or school and who have access to transportation and a solid support system at home.

An outpatient program’s total length and weekly time commitment can vary, with more intensive options requiring 6 to 9 hours of sessions per week.

Benefits of Inhalant Rehab

Not everyone will decide to treat their inhalant addiction through rehab. Some people may prefer to take advantage of other treatment options.

But there can be advantages to starting your inhalant recovery journey at rehab, such as the following:

Choose the Option That Works Best For You

Since rehab comes in inpatient and outpatient programs, you aren’t locked into a single treatment style and can choose one that meets you where you’re at.

Address the Root Causes

The most effective rehabs help you uncover the sources and contributing factors of your inhalant addiction so you can address them effectively.

Stop Abuse Early

Inhalants are often one of the first drugs that children or teens use. By addressing their addictions early with an appropriate intervention at rehab, you can give them the tools they need to stay sober long-term.

Treat Co-Occurring Mental Health Disorders

If you deal with an inhalant addiction and a mental health condition (dual diagnosis), some rehab centers may be able to tailor a treatment plan for your needs.

Pay With Insurance

Although many people consider rehab out of their price range, their insurance may cover it. For example, plans from the Affordable Care Marketplace can cover 60 to 90% of their substance abuse treatment.

Additional Treatment for Inhalant Abuse and Addiction

Since cravings are a part of inhalant use disorder, some people may find it hard to stay abstinent after going through rehab. But you can stay in recovery by continuing your inhalant addiction treatment through other methods.

Therapy and Counseling

Inhalants can influence your mental health and even impact cognitive development in adolescents. But many of the same therapy types that are effective for other forms of substance abuse can also help people with inhalant addictions.

Potentially effective therapy options for inhalant abuse include:

  • Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): One of the most popular types of talk therapy focuses on changing negative thought patterns related to addiction.
  • Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT): A sub-type of CBT that focuses on managing intense emotions.
  • Group therapy: A form of therapy where you’ll share your sessions with 5 to 15 other people in a supportive group setting.
  • Family therapy: A treatment that addresses the impact of inhalant addiction on your family unit. You’ll attend sessions with different family members, allowing everyone to discuss their feelings in a non-judgemental environment.

Support Groups

Some inhalant addicts may find a sense of belonging by talking with people addicted to other drugs.

One of the most prevalent addiction support groups is Narcotics Anonymous (NA), which hosts meetings for people addicted to all types of substances both online and in person.

Get Help for Inhalant Addiction

If you or a loved one is struggling with inhalant abuse, don’t wait to seek help. Inhalant addiction can have serious health consequences, but recovery is possible with the proper support.

Visit our Treatment Help Page to explore addiction treatment options, find the right rehab program, and take the first step toward a healthier, drug-free life.

FAQs About Inhalants Rehab and Treatment

How is inhalant addiction treated?

There isn’t a universal treatment plan for inhalant addictions. But some research suggests that medications like benzodiazepines or barbiturates may be helpful for withdrawal symptoms. Therapy interventions can also be helpful, like CBT or DBT.

Which inhalant addiction treatment is the most effective?

While research specifically on inhalants is limited, research indicates that talk therapy can be a helpful way to work through the mental effects of addiction.

What therapies are effective for treating inhalant addiction?

According to a 2023 research review, the most effective therapy techniques for inhalant addiction include CBT, DBT, family therapy, and group therapy.

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9 Sources
  1. Cleveland Clinic. (n.d.). Inhalant Abuse. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15742-inhalant-abuse
  2. National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). (n.d.). Inhalants. https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/inhalants#safe
  3. CBS News. (2023). Galaxy Gas Sparks Controversy on Social Media Over Nitrous Oxide Sales. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/galaxy-gas-nitrous-oxide-social-media-controversy/
  4. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). (2020). Inhalants: Drug Fact Sheet. https://www.dea.gov/sites/default/files/2020-06/Inhalants-2020_1.pdf
  5. Lubman, D. I., & Lawrence, A. J. (2023). The Neurobiology of Inhalant Abuse: A Review. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 14, Article 10266853. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10266853/
  6. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). (2015). A Guide to Preventing Inhalant Abuse (Publication No. SMA15-4131). https://store.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/sma15-4131.pdf
  7. Bowen, S. E. (2006). Inhalant Abuse and Its Clinical Implications. American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse, 32(4), 471–478. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC1592311/
  8. National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). (n.d.). Signs of Inhalant Abuse. https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/inhalants#signs
  9. National Drug Intelligence Center (NDIC). (2003). Inhalants: Drug Threat Assessment. U.S. Department of Justice. https://www.justice.gov/archive/ndic/pubs7/7343/index.htm#What
Written by

Medical Content Writer

Brooke Helton is a freelance writer passionate about wellness topics, especially the relationship between physical and mental health. As a contributor to AddictionHelp.com, she’s proud to combine her writing and research skills to inform and empower people impacted by substance abuse.

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  • Fact-Checked
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Kent S. Hoffman, D.O. is a founder of Addiction Help

Founder & Chief Medical Officer

Kent S. Hoffman, D.O. has been an expert in addiction medicine for more than 15 years. In addition to managing a successful family medical practice, Dr. Hoffman is board certified in addiction medicine by the American Osteopathic Academy of Addiction Medicine (AOAAM). Dr. Hoffman has successfully treated hundreds of patients battling addiction. Dr. Hoffman is the Co-Founder and Chief Medical Officer of AddictionHelp.com and ensures the website’s medical content and messaging quality.

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