Signs and Symptoms of Inhalant Addiction

What is Glue Sniffing?

Glue Sniffing is a form of inhalant abuse. Those who sniff glue are intoxicating fumes from the solvents found in the adhesives. Often people will sniff glue as a way to escape from the stress of daily life or to fill in for boredom. It is growing in popularity amongst Indian teenagers because it is easily obtainable and effects are almost instantaneous. After sniffing glue the abuser experiences a feeling of euphoria and exhilaration.

How Glue is Sniffed

Typically people who sniff glue will empty the solvent into a plastic bag and then put their face inside, breathing deeply. The solvant can also be heated and then inhaled or it can be poured onto a rag and the vapors then inhaled.

Effects of Glue Sniffing

·         dizziness

·         loss of coordination

·         muscular movement

·         slurring of speech

·         mental deterioration

·         hallucinations

·         drowsiness

·         coma

·         respiratory failure

Many people have lost their lives while high on glue because they feel urged to “attempt the impossible”.

Glue Sniffing Use

Glue sniffing is common amongst teenagers looking for a way to get high. With glue easy to come by and its effects almost instantaneous many young people use glue sniffing on a regular basis. Feelings of euphoria, invincibility, exhilaration and the hallucinations produced by glue sniffing often will lead to long term use. When a person sniffs glue over a long period of time they will develop a tolerance and even a physical and psychological dependency to the drug. When stopping its use they will experience withdrawal symptoms than vary in severity amongst users.

Glue sniffing is a danger to the persons health. Drowsiness caused by glue sniffing can result in coma and respiratory failure. The means of sniffing glue such as within a bag can result in suffocation. Heart failure can occur in users of high doses.

Signs of Glue Sniffing Addiction

·         smells of glue

·         thoughts and actions consumed by glue sniffing

·         trouble concentrating

·         Prolonged use

·         Withdrawal when stopping its use

·         Trouble at work, home and school

·         Difficulties in personal relationships

·         Financial strain

·         Lack of interest in normal activities

Withdrawal Symptoms of Glue Sniffing

·         Forgetfulness

·         difficulty concentrating

·         Anorexia

·         nausea

·         Irritability

·         excitability

·         Anxiety

·         Sleep disturbances

Glue Sniffing Addiction Treatment

Treatment is necessary for a glue sniffing addiction to treat the physical and psychological dependency that has developed before there is any serious damage caused to the mind and body. Medical treatment will be provided to the addict to prevent any damage to the heart during the withdrawal period. A medical detoxification process will be used to cleanse the patient of the chemicals and toxins associated with glue sniffing.

Glue sniffing addiction is not purely physical, it has many psychological aspects to it. Therapy and counseling sessions all allow the patient to work through their psychological addiction to glue sniffing and any underlying causes. The patient will be able to recognize the behaviours and routines associated with glue sniffing and make changes to ones that will promote sober living. The patient will gain the tools that they need to prevent relapse throughout their stay within our treatment facility.

Shafa Home is a residential treatment facility and nasha mukti kendra offering complete treatment for substance abuse. We encourage you to contact one of our counsellors today if you are concerned about substance abuse