Inhalants Withdrawal: Symptoms, Timeline & Treatment

Inhalants might seem harmless because they are often everyday household items, but the misuse of these substances can have devastating effects. From sudden health risks to the development of dependence, inhalant abuse can spiral out of kilter. Breaking free from inhalant addiction begins with detox, the first fundamental phase in the recovery process.

Detoxing from inhalants can feel intimidating, especially when withdrawal symptoms present. Proper support and medical supervision can streamline inhalant detox, though. This page outlines what to expect when getting off inhalants, the main withdrawal symptoms to expect, and how to achieve this safely and comfortably. You’ll also learn how to get ongoing treatment for inhalant abuse.

What are Inhalants

Inhalants are a group of substances that produce mind-altering effects when their fumes or vapors are inhaled. These substances are not designed for recreational use—many are household or industrial products, such as paint thinner, glue, cleaning sprays, or nitrous oxide [1]. When misused, inhalants trigger a brief but intense high by disrupting the CNS (central nervous system).

Unlike drugs ingested or injected, inhalants enter the body through the respiratory system. The chemicals quickly pass into the bloodstream and travel to the brain, provoking euphoria, dizziness, or relaxation [2]. Regrettably, this rapid absorption can lead to severe physical and mental harm.

Inhalant misuse is most common among adolescents, partly because these substances are inexpensive and easy to access. That said, the risks are significant for anyone of any age who uses inhalants. Prolonged inhalant abuse can damage the brain, lungs, heart, and other organs. In some cases, a single use may result in sudden death, usually due to cardiac arrest or asphyxiation [3].

What Is Inhalant Withdrawal Like?

When someone who regularly uses inhalants stops abruptly, they may experience withdrawal symptoms. While these substances do not create the same physical dependence as alcohol or opioids, psychological dependence can be intense. This can drive cravings and emotional distress, making withdrawal from inhalants challenging and uncomfortable.

Withdrawal symptoms of inhalants include a mix of physical and psychological effects. These may include irritability, anxiety, depression, and mood swings. Physical symptoms of withdrawal from inhalants often include nausea, headaches, sweating, and tremors. These side effects of stopping inhalants typically manifest within the first 24 to 48 hours of discontinuation and last for several days or more, depending on the scope of misuse and dependence. 

In some cases, inhalants withdrawal may prompt more serious complications, such as hallucinations or psychosis. These occur most often in those who have used inhalants heavily and long-term. Although rare, severe symptoms of inhalants withdrawal can be dangerous and require medical supervision.

Psychological withdrawal often lingers longer than the physical effects. Feelings of insomnia, restlessness, or cravings may persist for weeks or months after discontinuation. This can be especially tough for individuals without professional support, placing them at increased risk of relapse.

Inhalants Withdrawal Timeline

People who have used inhalants for an extended period may experience withdrawal symptoms when they stop. While not as severe as withdrawal from alcohol or opioids, these symptoms can still be uncomfortable and distressing. Below is a general timeline of what to expect during inhalant withdrawal:

24 to 48 hours after last use

• Anxiety
• Restlessness
• Nausea
• Stomach discomfort
• Headaches
• Fatigue

Days 2 to 5

• Irritability
• Mood swings
• Disturbed sleep
• Insomnia
• Tremors
• Muscle cramps
• Sweating and chills

Days 5 to 10

• Lingering anxiety or depression
• Difficulty concentrating
• Low energy
• Lack of motivation
• Strong cravings for inhalants

Beyond 10 days

• Emotional instability
• Possible long-term neurological effects in cases of chronic inhalant use
• Continued cravings

While most physical symptoms subside within a week, psychological effects and cravings may persist, especially for those with prolonged inhalant use. Professional detox centers provide a safe setting for managing withdrawal symptoms and preparing for long-term recovery from inhalant misuse, helping individuals navigate this challenging process with medical support and guidance.

Why Inhalants Abuse Causes Withdrawal

Inhalants disrupt the CNS by depressing its activity. This slowdown of the CNS produces a high—a temporary state of relaxation and euphoria. With repeated use, the brain and body adjust to the continuous presence of these chemicals.

Over time, the brain becomes dependent on inhalants to regulate mood and stress response. When someone stops using inhalants, their body struggles to rebalance itself, triggering inhalants withdrawal.

The risk of withdrawal symptoms varies based on the type of inhalant, the frequency and duration of use, and the person’s overall health. Individuals who have abused inhalants in combination with other drugs usually face more complicated withdrawal as their bodies adapt to the absence of multiple substances.

Withdrawal from inhalants is both physical and psychological. Cravings for inhalants stem from their ability to mask emotional pain or trauma, albeit only briefly. This psychological pull can make quitting challenging, especially without the proper support. Detox in a supportive environment minimizes the discomfort of inhalants withdrawal and sets the foundation for enduring recovery.

What Is Detox for Inhalants Like?

Detoxing from inhalants is the first step in overcoming dependence and addiction. This process involves ridding the body of harmful chemicals and managing the physical and psychological symptoms of withdrawal.

When entering a detox program, individuals begin with a thorough assessment. Medical professionals evaluate the person’s health, the extent of their inhalant use, and any co-occurring mental health conditions. This helps them create a personalized detox plan tailored to the person’s needs and recovery goals, ensuring they receive appropriate care throughout the process.

During detox, individuals might experience various withdrawal symptoms. Physical inhalants withdrawals like nausea, headaches, sweating, and hand tremors are standard in the initial stages. While these symptoms are generally mild, medical staff monitor individuals closely to manage discomfort and address potential complications, such as hallucinations or seizures.

Although there are no medications approved to treat the withdrawal symptoms inhalants, doctors may prescribe anti-nausea medications to manage digestive issues and sleep aids or anxiety medications to promote relaxation.

The psychological effects of detox can often be more demanding than the physical symptoms. Many people feel heightened anxiety, depression, or cravings as their bodies and minds adjust. Detox programs usually include counseling or therapy sessions to help people deal with these emotions and probe the root causes of their addictions. 

For anyone wondering how long does it take to detox from inhalants, this is contingent on the severity of the dependence and individual health. Most people find the worst withdrawal symptoms subside within a week, although psychological cravings can linger longer.

Detox sets the stage for ongoing abstinence by addressing the immediate effects of inhalant abuse. Individuals can transition into inpatient or outpatient treatment to focus on the psychological side of addiction.

What Happens After Inhalants Detox?

After completing detox, ongoing treatment provides the tools and resources to tackle the underlying causes of addiction, such as mental health challenges, trauma, or environmental factors. People participate in various therapies, including:

• Individual counseling: One-on-one sessions with a therapist help people explore personal issues and develop healthier coping strategies [4].
• Group therapy: Sharing experiences with others in recovery promotes connection and accountability, making the process less isolating.
• Family therapy: Addiction often affects loved ones, and family therapy helps repair relationships and establish healthier communication patterns.

Post-detox treatment also teaches individuals how to manage triggers and stressors without resorting to inhalants. For example, CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) is often used to help individuals identify harmful thought patterns and replace them with positive ones [5]. Mindfulness practices, such as meditation and breathing exercises, are also introduced to promote emotional regulation and reduce cravings [6].

Many people who struggle with inhalant addiction also face co-occurring mental health disorders, such as depression or anxiety. Integrated treatment programs address both addiction and mental health simultaneously, ensuring that individuals receive the comprehensive care they need to recover fully.

After detox, building a strong support network helps people stay sober in the long term. Many individuals find support through 12-step programs like NA (Narcotics Anonymous) or other peer-based recovery groups. These groups provide a safe space to share challenges, celebrate successes, and learn from others who have been through similar experiences.

As treatment progresses, individuals work with counselors to develop an aftercare plan. This plan might include ongoing therapy, support group meetings, and strategies for managing high-risk situations. For some, aftercare may also involve transitioning to a sober living facility, where they can continue to focus on recovery in a structured, supportive environment [7]. 

Relapse prevention is a central focus after detox. Learning to identify triggers, create healthy routines, and set personal goals can help individuals stay on track. Recovery is a lifelong process, and having a plan in place can make dealing with everyday stressors and obstacles more manageable.

Receive Help Getting Off Inhalants and Tackling Addiction at a Premier Rehab

If you or a loved one has been misusing inhalants and needs help discontinuing use, contact Renaissance Recovery today. We can help you find detox centers near you to streamline detox from inhalants and prepare you for treatment at one of our Florida or California rehabs.

When you opt for outpatient treatment at Renaissance, you don’t need to leave home for a month or more, and you can continue to meet your everyday commitments while attending weekday therapy sessions at one of our luxury rehabs.

All inhalant addictions present differently, so all our treatment plans are personalized. Therapies might include:

• Counseling
• Motivational therapy
• Psychotherapy
• Group therapy
• Family therapy
• Holistic treatments
• Medication management
• Aftercare planning

Need to stop inhalants? Get help today by calling 866-330-9449.

Sources

[1] https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/inhalants

[2] https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/drugs-inhalants.html

[3] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2794702/

[4] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK559031/       

[5] https://www.apa.org/ptsd-guideline/patients-and-families/cognitive-behavioral

[6] https://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2018/04/less-stress-clearer-thoughts-with-mindfulness-meditation/

[7] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3057870/