Inhalants Withdrawal Symptoms
Inhalant addiction involves inhaling vapors from products like cleaning fluids and glue to get high. This substance use is similar to illicit drugs like “poppers.” Research shows inhalant abuse can lead to withdrawal symptoms akin to alcohol or benzodiazepines, making medical assistance essential for safe withdrawal. Learn more about symptoms and resources for overcoming addiction.
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What Is Inhalants Withdrawal?
A withdrawal period is a series of mental and physical changes your body experiences when you stop taking a substance you’ve become dependent on. Developing dependence means that you need to keep using a substance on a regular basis to function.
That said, it’s not 100% clear if physical dependence is what causes inhalant withdrawal symptoms.
What Causes Inhalants Withdrawal?
There is some debate about what causes inhalant withdrawal symptoms – or if a distinct withdrawal syndrome for inhalants even exists. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) 5 doesn’t include withdrawals as criteria for inhalant use disorder.
If you experience unpleasant symptoms after quitting inhalants, it might not be due to withdrawal. For example, while many people do experience headaches after quitting inhalants, it could be a result of tissue damage from the chemicals.
What’s more, there are over 1,000 different products people can abuse as inhalants, all with different chemicals and ingredients. So, only some of them may cause withdrawals. Recent research may back this idea up.
What Inhalants Most Commonly Cause Withdrawals?
A 2023 review published in The Permanente Journal indicates that two main inhalant categories may be more likely to cause withdrawal symptoms – volatile solvents and gases.
Volatile solvents are liquids that vaporize into gases at room temperature.
You can find them in products like:
- Spray paint
- Paint thinner or remover
- Lighter fluid
- Fast-drying glue
- Gasoline
- Degreaser
- Felt tip markers
- Rubber cement
- Nail polish remover
- Correction fluid (White Out)
Gases and aerosols used as inhalants include both medical anesthetics and household products, including the following:
- Butane lighters
- Nitrous oxide (laughing gas)
- Chloroform
- Halothane
- Propane
- Refrigerants
Common Inhalants Withdrawal Symptoms
There isn’t a universal set of withdrawal symptoms for inhalants. But according to research, some of the most commonly reported symptoms include:
- Anxiety
- Headaches
- Depression
- Appetite or weight changes
- Excessive sleeping or sleep disturbances
- Sweating
- Nausea and vomiting
- Tiredness and weakness
- Vivid dreams
- Rapid heartbeat
- Runny nose or eyes
- Cravings
An older 2011 study found that 48% of people who were dependent on inhalants experienced three or more physical symptoms.
While rare, the researchers also found that some people can also experience more intense inhalant withdrawal symptoms, including hallucinations or seizures. So, it’s crucial to seek medical help to prevent these more dangerous effects.
How Do People Safely Withdraw from Inhalants?
Since inhalant withdrawal isn’t as widely studied or well-understood as withdrawals for other drugs, there isn’t a standardized medical detox or tapering schedule for them. That said, getting help is still important if you’re experiencing unpleasant symptoms.
For example, the Permanente Journal review indicated that the same medications used to treat alcohol withdrawal may also help with inhalant withdrawals. These effects may be because people who are addicted to inhalants may also have higher tolerance levels for alcohol.
Examples of medications that may help inhalant withdrawals include:
- Benzodiazepines
- Barbiturates
- Baclofen
Doctors may also be able to prescribe medications that help you manage or prevent individual symptoms of inhalant withdrawal, like antipsychotic medications for anxiety and depression.
Additional Support During Inhalants Withdrawals
Beyond medical interventions, therapy can also be an effective way to address the mental and social effects of inhalant addiction. You can go through therapy during or after withdrawal.
Some of the best options to treat inhalant addiction include:
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 Withdrawal Symptoms
How long do withdrawal symptoms from inhalants last?
Since inhalants are under-studied and the cause of withdrawal symptoms isn’t well-understood, there isn’t a lot of information about the timeline of inhalant withdrawal or when symptoms peak.
Can you get withdrawals from inhalant abuse?
Yes. Withdrawals aren’t an official part of the diagnosis for inhalant use disorder, although some research links quitting inhalants to unpleasant symptoms.
What are the main withdrawal symptoms from inhalants?
According to a 2014 research review, the most common inhalant withdrawal symptom is headaches. But other symptoms can include anxiety, depression, cravings, nausea, vomiting, and sleep difficulties.
What are common household inhalants that can lead to addiction?
Commonly abused household inhalant products include spray paint, paint thinner, quick-drying glue, lighter fluid, nail polish removers, and felt-tip markers.
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