Ep 18. In-Depth: Huffing

In-Depth: Huffing is the 18th episode of the sixth season of the show Intervention. The episode follows the story of four young adults who have gotten addicted to inhalants, also known as huffing. Inhalants are substances that produce chemical vapors that, when inhaled, can cause a range of psychoactive effects. Some common inhalants include paint thinner, gasoline, aerosol sprays, and even markers and glue.

The episode begins by introducing us to the four individuals who are struggling with huffing addiction. The first person we meet is a young woman named Crystal who has been huffing since she was 13 years old. She started using inhalants as a way to cope with the emotional pain of her mother's death, but her addiction has only gotten worse over the years. She now struggles to hold down a job and is facing legal trouble due to her addiction.

Next, we meet T.J., a 21-year-old who became addicted to inhalants while he was in juvenile detention. After his release, he continued to use huffing as a way to escape reality and numb his feelings of depression. His girlfriend, Kimberly, is also addicted to inhalants and the two of them support each other's addiction.

The final person we meet is 25-year-old Nick, who has been huffing since he was 16 years old. Nick's addiction has caused him to become estranged from his family and he now lives on the streets.

Throughout the episode, we see how huffing affects each person's life in different ways. Crystal struggles to maintain relationships with family and friends, T.J. and Kimberly are in a codependent relationship that revolves around their addiction, and Nick is barely surviving on the streets. We also learn about the dangerous side effects of inhalant use, which can include brain, liver, and kidney damage, seizures, and even death.

The episode also explores the difficulty of treating huffing addiction. Inhalants are not commonly seen as a drug of abuse and treatment options can be limited. The individuals featured in the episode are resistant to seeking treatment and are reluctant to give up the high they get from huffing.

In an effort to better understand huffing addiction, the episode also features interviews with experts in the field. These experts explain how inhalants affect the brain and why they are such an attractive option for some people. They also discuss the challenges of treating inhalant addiction and offer advice for those who are seeking help.

Overall, In-Depth: Huffing is a powerful episode that sheds light on a lesser-known form of addiction. The stories of Crystal, T.J., Kimberly, and Nick are heartbreaking, but they also offer hope that recovery is possible. The episode serves as a reminder that addiction can affect anyone, regardless of their background or circumstances, and that seeking help is always an option.