SolventsThe drug category solvents fall into is Hallucinogens.

Also Known As… “Bagging” “Huffing” “Nangs” “Bulbs” “Glue” “Gas” “Sniff” “Huff” “Poppers” “Chroming”

Origin and Description of Drug

What is this drug?An every day product

Spray deodorant Aerosols Pain relief sprays Air fresheners Hairspray Correction fluid

Where does this drug come from?You can buy this drug in most stores.

Where and how it is produced and grown?It is manufactured by humans.

They make people feel free, happy and dizzy.

Most solvents are sniffed

Appearance What form does

this drug come in? This drug comes in

the form, of sprays and aerosols.

Solvent abuse involves inhaling the fumes from domestic and industrial products, creating a strong intoxication.

Drug CategoryINHALANTSA wide range of substances are ‘sniffed’:• Solvent based glues• Dry cleaning fluids• Thinners• Paint• Correcting fluids• Aerosol sprays (deodorants, hair sprays, furniture polish etc.)• Butane gas (particularly in cigarette lighter refill canisters)• Petrol• Fire extinguishers• And others (etc.)

Short term and immediate effects Inhaling the solvent causes the

drug to work fast causing a high. The initial effects will last for 15

to 45 minutes. Some people can keep the high for

up to 12 hours. As the effects wear off rapidly,

users have to sniff repeatedly. People can feel sleepy for about

two hours after sniffing. Many people get severe

headaches.

Short term and immediate effects

Solvents can stop your heart working properly.

This can kill you instantly. Lack of oxygen Pneumonia Cardiac failure

Solvents can make a person drowsy and pass out.

Some people throw up and die by choking on their own vomit.

Many other kids have been killed or hurt in accidents because they couldn't see, hear or think after taking solvents.

Long Term Effects People who abuse solvents

for a long time damage their heart, brain, liver and kidneys.

Long term abuse can lead to: A permanent 'sniffer's

rash’ Conjunctivitis Liver, heart and kidney

damage Brain damage.

Medical Usage

Nitrous Oxide is an example of medical use of solvents. This is a dental anesthetic.

Legality

Solvent possession or abuse is NOT a criminal act

Stores can be fined under the Intoxicating Substances (Supply) Act 1985 if they knowingly sell to an abuser under 18.

Solvents are not street drugs, the average home has over 20 products that can be abused. Solvents are legal and have real uses that allows users to argue that they are doing nothing wrong.

Statistical Information Statistics show that

three times more young people die from solvent abuse than illegal drugs.

Nearly 300 people have died from abusing solvents in the last four years .

In many cases, the young person has died from his or her first attempt at solvent abuse.

Glue sniffing kills many more people than ecstasy, just without any media attention

In 37% of deaths in 1997 there was no prior known history of abuse. Young people remain the group most associated with solvent abuse - between 1971 and 2000, most deaths from Solvent abuse occurred in the 14-18 age range. Solvent abusers can be male or female, although there are higher numbers of solvent related deaths in boys.

Where to go for HELP

For more information on solvent abuse and where to go for help try the web at:

Connexions Direct TheSite.org - Solvents Be Cool Be Safe! www.drugaddictiontreatment.ca Contact you physician or hospital and they can help point you in the right

direction 24 hour Addition Hotline Telephone: (866) 567-6983 (7 days 24 hours)

E-mail: info@24houraddictionhelp.com