Who uses solvents?
The vast majority of solvent abusers are aged between the ages of 11 and 16 although they are also used by people who are much older.

What is used?
Solvents are inhaled for the intoxication they bring about and both domestic and industrial products are used. Some of the most commonly misused products include: fast drying glues and adhesives paints, lacquers and thinners, correcting fluids petroleum products, lighter fluids, hair lacquer, nail varnish remover propellant gases in aerosol sprays (deodorant, hair spray, fly spray, air freshener, fire extinguishers)

How are they used?
There are several techniques used to inhale the vapours from solvents, the most common being direct sniffing. In order to enhance the effects of the vapour by increasing its concentration, glue and similar products are sniffed from plastic bags (eg freezer or crisp bags).

The bag is placed over the face and the fumes inhaled until intoxication is achieved. Thinners and similar products may be sniffed from a saturated cloth or coat sleeve.

What are the dangers?
The dangers associated with solvent abuse are serious and can result in death or long term damage to health. If the user is over exerted either during or immediately after misuse, this may bring on a potentially fatal heart condition. It is therefore very important that if you are a person who is concerned that someone has been using solvents, not to chase after them, but rather wait and confront them later. However, it is often the case that when intoxicated, solvent users have no idea what they are doing so it is important to try and keep an eye on them without frightening them into running off - if at all possible.
For example, it may be the case that you can observe them from within a building, car etc.

The spraying of gas or aerosols into the mouth may affect the throat tissues. These may swell and cause asphyxiation.

Some users may heat the product over a naked flame to increase the concentration of the vapours - or smoke whilst misusing. This presents a serious risk of fire as many of the products abused are highly flammable.

The dangers are increased when solvents are misused in conjunction with other drugs, such as alcohol.

What are the effects?
The effects of intoxication on solvents is similar to that of alcohol although the onset is much quicker as it enters the bloodstream from the lungs an not the stomach. New users may be taken by surprise at the rapid onset of the effects.

Common effects are a dazed, unsteady appearance and behaviour, vacant stare, slurred speech and visual disturbance.

Some users experience hallucinations, not all of which will be pleasant. As a result, users may respond with aggressive, reckless and bizarre acts.

Serious intoxication will more than likely lead to the user being unaware of everyday hazards and thus have accidents.

Unconsciousness, if it occurs, brings the danger of vomiting and choking, giving rise to accidental death.

Long term use may result in a sniffers rash around the nose and mouth, conjunctivitis, liver and kidney damage, cardiac irregularities and in extreme cases, brain damage.

Whilst there is no evidence of physical dependence, psychological dependence can develop and some users find it extremely difficult to break the habit.

How to recognise solvent abuse
(It should be noted that the following are only indications of solvent abuse: neither is the list exhaustive or does it mean that persons displaying the following are misusing solvents)

drunken behaviour
unusual spots and rings around the mouth and nose
red eyes/heightened facial colouring
chemical smell on breath
glue/solvent stains on clothing
possession of plastic bags and solvents
decline in performance especially at school
change in personality, behaviour and signs of mental confusion unexplained injuries and accidents

What can you do to help?
Horror stories and overt disapproval do not seem to work on the majority of young people - for many, solvent use will be another experimental stage of growing up.

You can talk with young people about their views on drugs and solvents Take an interest in their opinions Help them to experience new and exciting things without the use of chemicals

Set an example - if you smoke or drink, what image does this give to young people?

Have a look around your home or whatever environment you are involved with the young person - are there sniffable products? If so, replace them with other products if possible and if not, store them safely out of reach

Discuss with young people how to value themselves and their opinions - discuss how they might be able to say no to someone who asks them to do something they are not comfortable with (this is important in lots of aspects of growing up) throw away unused products, this sets a good example of how to use products correctly learn to listen and ‘read between the lines’ - there may be problems that you do not know about or that a young person has difficulty in talking about

IN AN EMERGENCY
Keep calm Remove any solvents from the area and get the person to some fresh air (open windows and doors etc)

If the person is collapsed or unconscious, put them in the recovery position

If possible have someone stay with them, call 999 and get an ambulance

If the person is conscious, make them comfortable and reassure them as they will probably be frightened or confused and be aware that they could suddenly vomit!