Inhalant Use Disorder in the DSM-5

Inhalant Use Disorder in the DSM-5 Addiction Drug Use Hallucinogens Print Inhalant Use Disorder in the DSM-5 By Elizabeth Hartney, BSc., MSc., MA, PhD Elizabeth Hartney, BSc, MSc, MA, PhD is a psychologist, professor, and Director of the Centre for Health Leadership and Research at Royal Roads University, Canada. Learn about our editorial policy Elizabeth Hartney, BSc., MSc., MA, PhD Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD on August 05, 2016 Steven Gans, MD is board-certified in psychiatry and is an active supervisor, teacher, and mentor at Massachusetts General Hospital. Learn about our Medical Review Board Steven Gans, MD Updated on February 03, 2020 Douglas Sacha / Moment / Getty Images More in Addiction Drug Use Hallucinogens Cocaine Heroin Marijuana Meth Ecstasy/MDMA Opioids Prescription Medications Alcohol Use Addictive Behaviors Nicotine Use Coping and Recovery What is inhalant use disorder? It is a problem that can develop when people deliberately breathe in the fumes of various substances, in order to experience intoxication. Basically, the disorder develops in people who frequently use inhalants as a recreational drug. Inhalants are a range of different substances, including volatile hydrocarbons, which are toxic gasses typically found in household products such as glue, paint thinners, white-out, and various cleaning products, leading to the term glue sniffing. The substance may be inhaled from a bag to intensify the effect, which is known as huffing. Although there are several other substances which are intended for inhalation, such as nitrous oxide and poppers, which can also produce substance use disorders, problems arising from the use of these substances are not included in inhalant use disorder  but are instead included in the diagnoses of other substance use disorder or unknown substance use disorder. Inhalant use disorder is a psychological condition that applies to the deliberate use of inhalants, not to the accidental inhalation of toxic or psychoactive substances, even if they are the same substances that are people inhale when they have inhalant use disorder, and even if they produce identical effects. Inhalants are mostly used by younger people, mainly because they can access inhalants more easily than other drugs, and because they are not aware of the dangers of these drugs. Unfortunately, the use of inhalants is one of the most acutely dangerous forms of substance use and can result in sudden sniffing death even the first time they are used. However, inhalant use disorder refers to a problematic pattern of inhalant use over time, not the acute effects of inhalants, even if they are life-threatening. Symptoms The person uses the inhalants in larger amounts or for longer than they had planned to.The person wants to cut down on using inhalants  but has a hard time doing so.The person spends a lot of time getting the inhalant, using it or recovering from its effects.Cravings for more inhalants keep happening.The person fails to carry out important tasks related to home, school, or work, because of their inhalant use and may reduce or give up activities that were important to them.Despite having social, interpersonal, physical or psychological problems caused by inhalant use, the person continues to use inhalants.Risk-taking in inhalant use â€"  which is always risky by nature.Tolerance to inhalants, meaning more is needed to get the same effect. How Can You Tell If Someone Has Inhalant Use Disorder? Many of the signs that someone has the inhalant use disorder are similar to the typical problems of adolescence so this can add to the confusion of worried parents of teenagers. It is important to build a relationship of trust before confronting a person with your suspicions, in fact, a confrontational approach is not typically very effective. Signs of inhalant use disorder that may be typical teenage behavior include social and interpersonal problems, changing friendship groups, getting into arguments or fights with family or others, withdrawing from family, excessive sleepiness, neglect of chores and other expectations, moodiness, and socially unacceptable behavior, such as rude and disrespectful behavior, particularly towards authority figures. Signs of inhalant use disorder that are less likely to be typical teenage behavior include intoxication that does not appear to be caused by alcohol or other drugs  â€" especially if drug testing does not reveal these substances have been used, chemical smells on the body or clothing, scabs or sores around the nose or mouth, known as glue sniffers rash, an unusually excessive deposits in the trash or stockpiled in the bedroom, of containers for substances such as glue bottles, aerosols, paint bottles, lighter fluid, etc.