Solvents

The drug

Solvents are commonly found in everyday household objects. Most people would think of "glue sniffing" but this is to limited as solvents include many substances, such as lighter fuel, paint, paint thinners, hair spray, any petroleum products, glues and adhesives, lacquers, dry-cleaning fluids, surgical spirit and metal cleaners are among the many solvents commonly abused.

Because there are so many different types of solvents, several different ways are used to inhale the vapours from them. The most common method is by direct sniffing or inhaling by mouth. The vast majority of solvent misusers are between the ages of 11-16 years, although other age groups do use solvents.

What it does to the mind and body

If you use solvents the effects will be similar to alcohol, but you become intoxicated (drunk) much more quickly than with alcohol because the substance enters the bloodstream through the lungs rather than the stomach. The immediate effect will take you by surprise, as intoxication very quickly starts. You will be dazed, be unsteady on your feet, have a vacant stare, your speech will be slurred and your eyesight will be effected. If you keep on using solvents then you may experience a dream-like state and hallucinations, this could make you aggressive or reckless and you will be less aware of everyday hazards and become at risk from accidents - if at this point you carry on using solvents you will become very drowsy and could easily slip into unconsciousness. The danger of you vomiting and choking. Any of these risky situations can lead to accidental death.

If you misuse solvents you could end up with a fatal heart condition. This is more likely if after, or before use, you exert yourself by this I mean running or any other kind of exercise. If you spray aerosols or butane gas in your mouth it may affect your throat issues causing them to swell and making you choke.

Because the people who make the solvents often change the chemicals in their products, it is sometimes difficult to decide the dangers involved. The most common solvents misused do contain poisonous substances. Nearly all solvents used are highly flammable.

Long-term use

If you use solvents a lot and over a long period of time you may end you may end up with a big red nose! this is called `sniffers rash' and also appears around the mouth. Conjunctivitis (gungy eyes), liver and kidney damage, hear problems and in extreme cases brain damage are all very likely. Some of you will be more at risk than others to these harmful effects, but if you are young and inexperienced you are the most at risk.

There are cases where young people have died the first time using these substances. If they are used regularly, you will experience a pale face, tiredness, forgetfulness, and lack of concentration can become a daily pattern affecting the way you function and perform. Weight loss, depression and trembling can also happen but will often go away once you stop misusing the solvent.

The Law and Solvents

Under the Intoxicating Substances Act (1985) it is an offence to supply solvents to anyone under the age of 18 and if the supplier has reason to believe that the purchaser, intends to give it to a young person under 18 to inhale.

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