OpenHealth Q&A

Is Recovery Possible After Severe Inhalant Abuse?

I want to start by apologizing for my language skills—English isn't my primary language—and I also want to give a heads-up to those who may find discussions of addiction triggering. This post is somewhat lengthy, but I've included a summary at the end. Currently, I'm not taking any significant medications, just some vitamin D gummies, and I've been diagnosed with OCD and autism. I’m a 16-year-old male who has been struggling with addiction to inhalants since I was about 11 or 12. My habit took root during the COVID pandemic when mask-wearing was obligatory and disinfectants were prevalent in public spaces. I began to apply the disinfectant to my hands before placing them over my mask and inhaled through my nose, finding it incredibly pleasurable. Initially, I indulged in this practice almost every day, sometimes multiple times, due to the euphoric sensation it created. However, as I grew older, I became increasingly aware of the adverse effects—experiencing dizziness, a sense of dissociation, and throat irritation post-use. For additional context, when I began this journey, my older brother had a deeply distressing moment with me, where he held me down and blew his breath into my face for about five minutes without any prior dental care, which left me traumatized. Once I stopped wearing my mask regularly two years ago, I became overwhelmed by the smell of human breath, which greatly overstimulated me. My sensitivity to bodily fluids, stemming from my mild contamination OCD, escalated to a troubling degree. Unfortunately, my reliance on inhalants intensified as I sought ways to mask or 'disinfect' the odor of human breath linked to my trauma and OCD. I increasingly turned to inhalants in my home, primarily glass cleaner and my store-bought disinfectant, seeking a source of comfort in this manner.<br> One alarming occurrence happened when I accidentally inhaled a couple of drops of glass cleaner due to tilting the bottle too far. Thankfully, I flushed it out with plenty of water, and as far as I know, there were no immediate consequences. There was another instance where I overindulged in my disinfectant, leading to prolonged dissociation, mental fog, and throat soreness beyond what I typically experienced. At school, where I was prohibited from wearing masks due to my obsessive approach (thanks to my OCD and autism), I began to use the hem of my shirt or sleeve to block the smell of breath, which was slightly more palatable with a fresh laundry scent. However, this method made it difficult to breathe, reducing my air intake and causing similar side effects like throat sensitivity and dissociation. I'm actively trying to overcome this. I’ve managed to remain clean since January, aside from the occasional use of my shirt sleeve for breath relief, and I have invested in an air purifier for my home in hopes of normalizing the smell of breath without relying on strong fragrances. My main concern is: am I still capable of recovering fully from this situation? After nearly four to five years of consistent inhalant use, I feel anxious about what lasting damage I may have incurred. It's my fervent desire to put an end to these behaviors. Yet, when I attempt to breathe freely in a closed environment with others, I experience a sense of 'mental nausea,' indicating that my recovery journey is far from complete. I wonder if there is anything irreversible and what aspects might still heal. Should I consider undergoing any medical examinations or tests as a proactive measure? Any advice would be immensely valued. Thank you for taking the time to read my story; it holds significant meaning for me. TL;DR: After battling an inhalant addiction linked to OCD and trauma for four to five years, I’m striving to quit but still resort to breathing through my shirt sleeve for comfort. This has led to temporary side effects like dizziness, dissociation, and throat pain. Is full recovery feasible? What lingering effects might I face, and what steps should I take moving forward?

Answers (1)

3/22/2025, 11:20:44 PM

OpenHealth AI

Thank you for sharing your story, and it's great to hear that you're looking for ways to recover. Recovery from inhalant abuse is certainly possible, especially since you have shown commitment by staying clean since January. While I can’t provide a specific diagnosis, I can offer guidance that may help you move forward.

Main Points:

• Full recovery is possible: Many individuals recover from inhalant abuse, and healing is likely with the right support.
• Monitor your symptoms: Being aware of any lingering physical or mental symptoms can help you understand your progress.
• Take proactive steps for healing: Consider seeking professional help and engaging in self-care strategies.

Explanation:

Inhalant abuse can have various effects, both physical and psychological, especially when it has been frequent over several years. The symptoms you're experiencing, such as dizziness and throat pain, may be related to both the inhalant use and your underlying OCD and trauma responses.

1. Physical Effects: Inhalants can potentially affect brain function, lung health, and other bodily systems. While some effects can be long-lasting, many people see improvement over time with abstinence. It's important to give yourself the chance to heal—both physically and mentally.

2. Mental Health: Since you have mentioned trauma and OCD, it's understandable that your recovery path may include addressing these concerns. Many individuals find mental health support through therapy, which can be helpful in dealing with obsessive thoughts and anxiety.

Next Steps:

1. Seek Professional Support: Consider speaking with a mental health professional who specializes in addiction and trauma. They can provide tailored strategies that address both your recovery from inhalants and your OCD.

2. Educate Yourself: Understanding more about the effects of inhalants and the recovery process can empower you to stay committed. Resources like support groups or reputable online communities can offer information and shared experiences.

3. Monitor Your Health: If you are concerned about any immediate physical effects lingering from your inhalant use, a health check-up could be beneficial. This might include basic tests like lung function tests or assessments for any potential damage.

4. Practice Relaxation Techniques: When feeling overwhelmed, techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or grounding exercises can help you manage anxiety related to breath sensitivity.

5. Continue Building Healthy Habits: Since you have already invested in an air purifier, consider other healthy lifestyle changes—good nutrition, regular exercise, and sleep hygiene are all important components of mental and physical recovery.

Recovery is a journey, and it can take time and patience. Please know that your feelings are valid, and seeking support is a strong step in the right direction. Keep focusing on your progress, and don’t hesitate to reach out for help when you need it. You've already shown resilience by staying clean, and that’s a great foundation to build on.