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DRUG FACTSHEET : Solvents
See also www.re-solv.org an excellent site dedicated to combating solvent misuse. |
| Street Names: |
Aerosols, Correction fluids, Glues, Butane Gas, Dry Cleaning Fluids, Paint Thinners and Strippers, Petrol, Nail Varnish Removers |
| Description: |
Any substance that gives of a gas or vapour |
| Routes of use: |
Inhalation either directly or using a plastic bag |
| History: |
Solvent abuse has been around since the early 1960's but has only made the headlines in the past twenty years. Solvent abuse and related deaths are on the increase amongst teenagers especially in the inner cities. The wide availability of sniffable products has allowed easy access to this method of abuse. Most children try solvents whilst they are still school with the average age of experimentation being 13 years. |
Effects people
seek: |
The inhaled fumes rapidly enter the bloodstream through the lungs and into the brain, causing dizziness and feelings of euphoria. It produces feelings like alcohol intoxication and lowering of inhibitions. Some people experience hallucinations. The effects can be felt very quickly and last about half an hour |
| Other effects: |
Many of the injuries to solvent abusers are accidental. Whilst intoxicated they may fall off buildings, walk in front of cars/trains or into canals. Spraying aerosols directly into the mouth can cause freezing of the airways which leads to their swelling and causing suffocation. Suffocation can also happen when sniffing with a plastic bag over the head which may also allow the collecting of vomit should the user throw up whilst unconscious. Some products weaken the heart causing its failure on exertion. Several cases of severe burns have occurred whilst sniffing lighter fluid which has subsequently ignited. Long term, heavy solvent abuse may cause permanent damage to the brain, especially its control over movement. Long term effects are also seen in damage to the kidneys and liver. |
Dependence
& Tolerance: |
Tolerance can develop over a period of time. Physical dependence is thought not to occur, however withdrawal symptoms have been observed in a few cases. Psychological dependence has been seen to occur in people with underlying social/family problems. |
| The Law: |
Inhaling solvents or possessing them is not illegal. However, it is an offence for a retailer to sell solvents, glues and gases to youngsters if he suspects that they will be used for sniffing. Driving a vehicle or riding a motor bike while whilst intoxicated by solvents is an offence. |
