Solvent abuse
Last updated at 11:18 27 April 2006
A third of parents say they don't know enough about illegal drugs that their children may be confronted with, a new poll claims, making it difficult to talk to them about the dangers. Here's Mail online guide on how to identify different illegal substances and what effects they have...
SOLVENT ABUSE
Solvents include gases, aerosols, glue and paint thinners. A solvent costs a couple of pounds.
What does it look like?
Gas lighter refills, aerosols containing hairspray, deodorants and air fresheners, tins or tubes of glue, some paints, thinners and correcting fluids, cleaning fluids, surgical spirit.
How is it taken?
Solvents are sniffed from a cloth, a sleeve or a plastic bag. Some users put a plastic bag over their heads and inhale that way. Gas products can be squirted directly into the back of the throat which makes it difficult to control the dose.
Effects
Short term - Dizziness, dreaminess and fits of the giggles. Some users can hallucinate. Short-term effects so may be repeated often, and there is a danger of suffocation.
Long term - Nausea, blackouts, heart problems, liver and brain damage.
Addictive?
Can be psychologically addictive.
Legality
Solvent abuse is not illegal.
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