Solvents

What are they?

Solvents are chemicals that are commonly found in everyday products such as cleaning fluids, aerosols, lighter gas, nail varnishes and glue. At room temperature they turn into vapour that can be inhaled through the mouth or nose, making the user feel intoxicated. Common ways of taking solvents include sniffing them from a plastic bag, putting them on a cloth and inhaling the fumes, or sniffing directly from a container.

Short-term effects

Solvents are absorbed rapidly into the bloodstream so that users start to feel intoxicated very quickly. Effects can vary depending on the substance used. They commonly include vomiting ,feeling dizzy and lightheaded, lack of co-ordination, slurred speech, loss of inhibitions, a rash around the mouth, hallucinations or delusions.

As the effects wear off – usually within minutes – hangover-type symptoms can kick in such as headaches and feeling irritable.

Solvent use also carries many serious risks and can be fatal, even when used for the first time. Sudden sniffing death syndrome occurs when the heart starts to beat irregularly and becomes more sensitive to the hormone adrenaline. If the user is suddenly panicked, the heart can stop. Other risks include;

• Reckless behaviour due to poor judgement and delusions
• Unconsciousness
• Suffocation due to inhaling from a plastic bag
• Suffocation due to spraying aerosols directly down the throat
• Irregular heartbeat and palpitations

Long-term effects

Long-term solvent abuse can lead to damage to the liver, lungs, kidneys, heart and brain. This may or may not be reversible.

The law

It is not illegal to inhale solvents. However it is illegal to supply or sell substances to anyone, regardless of age, that you know is going to abuse them. It is also an offence to sell butane gas lighter refills to anyone under 18 or to supply gas lighter refills to anyone under 18.

Driving while under the influence of drugs is illegal. This can lead to a heavy fine, disqualification from driving and even a prison sentence in some cases.

If you are convicted of a drug-related offence it can stop you travelling to certain countries and affect the types of jobs you can apply for.

If you are using solvents (or any other substances), are worried about someone else’s use or would like to know more, please contact us for more information.