Inhalants: tolerance, dependence and treatment
Tolerance can develop with regular use of inhalants. This makes it necessary to inhale more and more to get the same effect.
Dependence can be psychological, physical or both.
Regular use of inhalants can result in psychological dependence. They may find that using them becomes far more important than other activities in their life. They crave the substance and will find it very difficult to stop.
Chronic abuse of inhalants may result in physical dependence. This means the body gets used to functioning with the inhalant present.
Withdrawal
Withdrawal symptoms are not common but some people who are dependent on inhalants and suddenly stop using them may experience some mild withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal symptoms include anxiety, depression, loss of appetite, irritation, aggressive behaviour, dizziness, tremors and nausea.
Treatment options
A number of drug treatment options are available in Australia. Some aim solely for the person to achieve a drug-free lifestyle. Others recognise abstinence as one option among a number of strategies that have an overall aim of reducing harm and risks related to a person's drug use. Treatment is more effective if tailored to suit a person's circumstances and involves a combination of methods.
Some treatment options include counselling, group therapy, withdrawal (detoxification) and medication (pharmacotherapy). Residential and supervised/home withdrawal programmes are available.
For more information, please click on the Australian Drug Foundation's DrugInfo Clearinghouse web site link below.
Last Reviewed: 20 September 2006
