what are solvents?

THE term solvents is used to describe a wide variety of everyday substances such as aerosols, glues, fire extinguisher fluids, nail varnish remover, paint, petrol and dozens more. They contain chemicals that can alter our state of mind for a short time. Solvents also include such volatile substances as butane gas and propane.

how are they taken?

SOLVENTS are usually breathed in or sniffed. This means that they take effect quickly because the substances go directly from the lungs into the bloodstream.

what are the effects?

THE effects of sniffing are similar to those of alcohol and may bring on light headedness, giddiness and a sense of adventure. The longer you sniff at any one time, the stronger the effects are likely to be and so you may soon feel out of control, confused or drowsy. Some people experience hallucinations - seeing or hearing imaginary things, but this is rare. The effects of sniffing don't usually last longer than half an hour.

what are the side-effects?

SIDE effects can include headaches and sickness. With repeated use of glue, the skin around the mouth and nose can become irritated, resulting in a rash and you may feel depressed. These should all disappear as you take less or stop altogether.

what are the dangers?

LIKE many substances, what you sniff may be made up of a mixture of chemicals, making it difficult to know exactly what's in them. Any interruption of breathing is the biggest risk and in some cases has resulted in death. This can be caused by sniffing too much in an enclosed space so you don't get enough air, or sniffing until you become unconscious. Using butane gas or aerosols is particularly dangerous. When sprayed directly into the mouth the throat is cooled, which can result in breathing difficulties or suffocation.

As with alcohol, accidents can happen when under the influence of solvents because you have less control over your body. Because of this, the places used for sniffing can be the main danger, for example :- too isolated and out of reach of medical help.

Using butane gas and petrol is particularly dangerous and both are inflammable, increasing the risk of fire. Some solvents can cause the heart to be more sensitive to adrenaline, a substance produced by vigorous exercise such as running or fear. In a few cases this has resulted in death.

SOLVENTS aren't physically addictive. If you sniff regularly, you may feel that you can't do without it for a while after you've cut down or stopped. These cravings will lessen with time.

what is the legal position

IT'S not illegal to take or possess solvents, but under the Intoxicating Substances Supply Act 1985, it's an offence to supply to a young person under I8 a substance which the supplier knows, or has reason to believe, will be used "to achieve intoxication".