Professional, Compassionate Outpatient Care for a Rare but Dangerous Addiction
Inhalant abuse often begins early, is widely misunderstood, and can cause severe damage even after just a few uses. At Lanier Recovery Center in Atlanta, we provide confidential, individualized outpatient treatment for inhalant addiction—focused on healing physical, emotional, and cognitive damage through evidence-based care and long-term recovery support.
What Are Inhalants?
Inhalants are substances found in common household products that are inhaled to produce a mind-altering effect. These chemicals include solvents (paint thinner, glue), aerosols (spray paint, deodorant), gases (whipped cream dispensers, propane), and nitrates (room deodorizers, leather cleaner).
Unlike other drugs, inhalants are often easy to access, inexpensive, and used primarily by adolescents and young adults seeking a quick high.
Effects of Inhalants on the Brain and Body
Inhalants depress the central nervous system and can lead to immediate and long-term harm, even with infrequent use.
Short-term effects:
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Euphoria and dizziness
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Slurred speech and coordination issues
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Hallucinations and delusions
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Nausea, headaches, or nosebleeds
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Risk of sudden death from cardiac arrest (sudden sniffing death syndrome)
Long-term effects:
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Liver and kidney damage
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Brain cell loss and cognitive impairment
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Hearing loss and vision problems
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Muscle weakness and coordination issues
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Depression, anxiety, and emotional instability
Because inhalants restrict oxygen to the brain, they can cause lasting harm even after just one session of use.
Inhalant Use Statistics
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Nearly 1 million people in the U.S. aged 12 and older reported past-year inhalant use in 2021.
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1 in 5 adolescents has experimented with inhalants by 8th grade.
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Inhalants account for over 100 deaths per year, mostly among teens and young adults.
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Inhalant-related ER visits have risen due to accidental overdoses and long-term effects.
These numbers show that inhalants—despite being legal substances—pose serious risks and are often overlooked in addiction treatment.
Recognizing Inhalant Addiction
Inhalant use often begins as experimentation but can quickly become compulsive due to the short-lasting high and accessibility. Repeated use damages vital organs and can lead to serious injury or death.
Signs of inhalant abuse:
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Chemical smells on breath or clothing
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Paint or stains on face, hands, or clothes
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Hidden containers of aerosols or solvents
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Frequent nosebleeds or sores around the mouth
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Confusion, fatigue, or irritability
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Decline in school or work performance
Daily Challenges of Inhalant Addiction
Those struggling with inhalant addiction often face:
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Shame or secrecy due to stigma
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Difficulty finding professional help due to lack of awareness
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Memory loss, mood swings, or mental fog
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Difficulty maintaining relationships or responsibilities
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Physical weakness, tremors, or sensory problems
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Co-occurring depression, trauma, or suicidal thoughts
At Lanier Recovery Center, we treat each client with dignity and provide solutions designed for long-term healing—not judgment.
How We Treat Inhalant Addiction at Lanier Recovery Center
Our outpatient care model is tailored to each individual’s clinical needs, support system, and goals. Whether you’re seeking care for yourself or a loved one, we meet you where you are and create a personalized plan that addresses the full scope of the problem.
Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)
PHP offers full-day programming with intensive therapy, psychiatric care, and peer support. It’s ideal for clients with significant functional impairment or co-occurring mental health conditions.
Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
IOP includes 3–5 half-days per week of treatment focused on behavioral change, emotional regulation, and relapse prevention. Many clients step down to IOP after completing PHP or residential treatment.
Outpatient Program (OP)
OP provides weekly counseling, recovery support, and long-term aftercare services for clients who are stable in their recovery journey.
Our approach includes:
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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
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Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
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Individual and group therapy
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Trauma-informed care
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Family support and education
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Life skills and coping strategy development
Why Choose Lanier Recovery Center?
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Expert-led outpatient programs rooted in ethics and evidence
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Discreet, judgment-free care for rare or stigmatized addictions
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Customized treatment plans focused on brain and body healing
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Strong community support to reduce isolation and rebuild purpose
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Long-term focus to support full reintegration into daily life
Frequently Asked Questions
Is inhalant addiction dangerous?
Yes. Inhalants can cause brain damage, organ failure, and sudden death—even from first-time use. Professional treatment is essential.
How long is outpatient treatment?
Most clients begin with 8–12 weeks of PHP or IOP and transition to outpatient services. Treatment length is adjusted based on progress and need.
Does insurance cover inhalant addiction treatment?
Yes, we work with most major insurance providers and can verify your benefits before starting treatment.
Can teens or young adults receive treatment here?
We treat adults 18 and over. For adolescents, we refer to trusted providers specializing in teen addiction care.
Start Inhalant Addiction Recovery Today
Inhalant addiction is real, and recovery is possible. At Lanier Recovery Center, we believe every person deserves access to compassionate, clinically sound care. Contact our Atlanta-based team today to schedule a confidential assessment and begin your journey to healing.
