DASH - Isle of Man Drug Advice Helpline


The information on these pages is designed to give you and idea of what drugs do and the risks involved. As a service, we accept that drug use is part of the World and Island we live in today and are here to help if you need us. Drug use is risky, there are no regulations on illegal drugs (such as strength or content) and so you’ll never know what you’ve really bought. We want you to be safe and make informed decisions – it could affect the rest of your life. If your drugs use, or that of a friend, family member or colleague is causing you concern, don’t be ashamed or afraid to get in touch if you need help or support.

SOLVENTS
(Glue, Gas & Aerosols)

Not covered under the Misuse of Drug Act

What are solvents? These are a number of chemical compounds that are used in various household and industrial items that many of us will have in our homes. These give off vapours or gasses that can be inhaled.

These can include:

Nail Varnish and Nail Varnish Remover
Glue
Correction Fluid
Paint
Cigarette Lighter Gas (Butane)
Petrol
Aerosols (Deodorant, Cleaning Products etc)

What do people do with them? The products give off a vapour or gas, which is inhaled through the mouth or nose to get a high. Plastic bags are generally used to sniff glue, called ‘huffing’ (See picture on left). Aerosols are generally sprayed onto a cloth before inhaling. Some young people may soak their sleeve to sniff wherever they are.

What does it do? The effects can be similar to that of feeling drunk from alcohol although the effect only tends to last 30-45 minutes. It can cause: Headache, Dizziness, Sore throat, feelings of unreality. Regular users may appear pale, tired, forgetful and lack concentration.

Why would people use it? Generally, users of solvents are aged 12 to 15. Solvents are easy to obtain in the house or buy in shops, effects are swift and relatively cheap and not illegal.

People use drugs, not just solvents, for many reasons and those reasons are often complex. Why a child (or adult) would sniff solvents is complex too. It may be experimentation, it may be something to do with joining in with friends both of which the majority grow out of; or it may be an escape from issues or feelings that they find difficult to cope with.

Is it Dangerous? YES. Approximately 100 young people die each year after using solvents and it is important that young people are made aware of the dangers. Spraying aerosols directly into the mouth can be fatal. There is a danger of freezing the throat and suffocating. The use of plastic bags for huffing can also lead to suffocation. Solvents can cause unconsciousness, which can be a choking hazard. They also cause disorientation, which is particularly dangerous as it is more likely to lead to accidents near traffic, rivers, etc...
Lighting cigarettes or matches after sniffing is especially dangerous in enclosed spaces. There is a risk of fire, burns and explosions from igniting gases and vapours that have built up.
Sniffing Alone is dangerous. If something goes wrong there’s no one there to help. NITROUS OXIDE News Story Time Magazine Jan 2012 Nitrous Oxide is a colourless and odourless gas often called Laughing Gas and was a recreational drug for the upper classes in the 18th Century. It gives users a sense of distortion, euphoria and can become addictive for some people. Nowadays it is sold legally for food-related purposes but it is classed as a volatile Substance. The Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency is responsible and could prosecute those venues providing it at parties, often sold in balloons. Anyone selling Nitrous Oxide knowingly for inhalation as a recreational drug could be prosecuted. Nitrous Oxide, as gas may seem harmless fun but it is potentially deadly. Inhalation reduces oxygen to the brain and can lead to asphyxiation. Long term the gas can poison the central nervous system. Nitrous Oxide should NOT be mixed with any other drugs including alcohol - the effects have the potential to be like threatening. See Parents Page for further information of drugs and your children. Recommended Reading about Solvents Click here for other suggestions Or for more info and help contact us
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