Gasoline Addiction

Gasoline Addiction Treatment and Recovery Support at Icarus

One of the most underserved challenges in the addiction treatment space is the abuse of inhalants. Gasoline addiction, one of the most common forms of inhalant abuse compared to other drugs, involves the dangerous intentional inhalation of gasoline fumes to reach the intended high. This addiction, also known as “sniffing” or “huffing,” leads to an intense and rapid onset of dizziness and euphoria, with a high that typically only spans a window of several minutes.

Despite receiving fewer interventions and being more commonly under-publicized than most illegal drugs, gasoline has a high potential for abuse. It has a profound impact on the health of those addicted. Most people risk suffering issues with their kidneys and other organ damage, tremors associated with neurological injury, in addition to reported difficulties participating in human interaction in social circles.

This is even more prevalent in a child who has a substance issues with gasoline. Increased awareness is imperative to slow down the abuse of gasoline and other inhalant drugs.

Icarus Behavioral Health in New Mexico is one of the leading substance abuse treatment centers for drugs and alcohol, including gasoline addiction. Thanks to a comprehensive approach to recovery that focuses on mental health and substance use simultaneously, Icarus delivers top-tier treatment, assisting many people in escaping the horrors that come with sniffing gasoline.

This article focuses on the many ways sniffing gasoline is dangerous to users of any age and how Icarus can help you take action to stop this addiction from causing injury to your child or other loved ones.

Understanding Gasoline Addiction

So what do reported case studies reveal about substance use involving inhalants like gasoline? Gasoline sniffing occurs when the user inhales gasoline vapors, completing a chain of events that lead to psychoactive results and, worse, tremendously dangerous effects to their health.

Most who opt for this form of sniffing inhale straight from a gas tank or container. This is likely an easy route of administration compared to people who soak old rags or shirts in gasoline and stuff them into plastic bags to create one small, compact source that concentrates the fumes.

Although in the average family, a parent will have difficulties with a child regarding gas sniffing. However, it’s not limited to this demographic, as other users have reported having low funds or little access to different substances, leaving them an alternative that’s highly accessible but relatively low in cost.

How Sniffing Gasoline Impacts Cognitive Function & Reported Physical Health Risks

If someone doesn’t stop sniffing gasoline, multiple conditions have been cited in case studies that include the release of toxins in the blood and ultimately verify recurring damage to the central nervous system.

A review of the short-term impact demonstrates the onset of euphoria, weakness, dizziness, and auditory and/or visual hallucinations. Long-term case studies have shown chronic neurological conditions, liver and kidney damage, and even susceptibility to cardiovascular issues.

Signs and Symptoms of Huffing Gas

Recognizing the telltale signs of gasoline inhalation is critical to administering help via the proper substance abuse treatment avenues. Red flags include:

• Chemical odors on breath or clothes in almost every case
• Paint or stains from gas on hands, fingers, and clothes
• Users have shown slurred speech and lack of coordination
• Makes individuals huffing feel the impact of various mood swings and irritability
• Users think the adverse side effects of weight loss and decreased appetite
• Ignoring personal care or hygiene

Causes and Risk Factors of Addiction to Gasoline

This section will help you understand why individuals sniff gasoline as their preferred substance.

Psychosocial Factors

Users often turn to this dangerous practice as a way to cope with underlying issues like trauma, economic or relationship difficulties, or other mental health disorders. Boredom, depression, and low self-esteem can also lead to the onset of this habit.

Environmental and Cultural Influences

Some communities are much further beneath the poverty line than others. This leads to gasoline huffing as a more prevalent addiction because of a lack of constructive activities. Influences from peers and normalization through the community and media can further enhance these factors.

What are the Health Consequences of Huffing Gas?

Regardless of how long a user has spent sniffing gasoline, all users face short- and long-term health risks.

Short-Term Risks

The immediate dangers of inhaling gas include:

• Headaches
• Nausea and vomiting
• Slurred speech
• Loss of coordination
• Hallucinations or psychosis
• Asphyxiation or brain damage from lack of oxygen

Long-Term Risks

Chronic abuse of gas leads to:

• Neurological impairments
• Memory loss and cognitive deficits
• Liver and kidney damage
• Hearing loss
• Increased cancer risk

Psychiatric Impact

Mental health risks associated with inhaling gasoline vapors include:

• Depression and anxiety
• Psychotic episodes
• Personality changes
• Suicidal ideation

Treatment Approaches for Addiction to Huffing Gasoline

One of the first steps in the treatment of this addiction is to review the severity and health of the client. At Icarus Behavioral Health in New Mexico, we offer services to help with withdrawal symptoms and to stabilize physical and mental health.

The detoxification process includes constant medical supervision to ensure the client safely detoxes and avoids additional physical health concerns, preparing them for upcoming rehab treatment.

Therapeutic Modalities

Some of the most effective approaches to this form of addiction include the following:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps clients identify and change harmful or damaging thought patterns or behaviors.
• Trauma-Informed Therapy: This addresses concerns surrounding traumatic experiences that contribute to addiction.
• Group counseling can also provide support from peers and offer a safe environment.
• Dual Diagnosis: Many users who huff gasoline have co-occurring mental health disorders. An integrated approach to treatment addresses the addiction and mental health challenges at the center of the client’s substance use.

Icarus Behavioral Health Offers Personalized Treatment Plans

Icarus Behavioral Health provides a thorough assessment to create a personalized treatment plan for each client at our facility. Each plan is tailored to the client’s needs and future goals.

Our inhalant abuse treatment program includes help assembling the support of family and other members of your support system, bringing them together for counseling sessions with licensed therapists. These sessions are all part of a more significant effort consisting of aftercare services we make available to each of our clients. The aftercare process is vital for continued effort during the ongoing recovery process, assisting all outgoing clients in sourcing the following:

• Primary care mental and physical health physicians or specialists.
• Locating official meeting sites for Narcotics Anonymous to continue peer-to-peer group treatment.
• Continued support for client family members to enhance your primary source of encouragement and accountability.
• Alumni programs allow you to continue connecting with staff and prior clients of Icarus Behavioral Health. These programs include services that support the local community, willingness to help community members educate themselves and avoid many of the giving our alumni members a productive outlet that helps bolster their ongoing pitfalls of addiction.

Reach Out to Icarus for Support to Quit Inhalants Today

If you’re willing to take the next step in your recovery efforts and distance yourself from the abuse of gasoline, our staff is standing by to begin crafting your treatment plan.

Have your insurance information prepared, and contact our admissions staff to verify your coverage and prepare for your spot in our detox, inpatient, or outpatient recovery programs.