solvents

other words for solvents include; glue, aerosols, thinners, volatile substances

What does it look like?

Solvents cover a huge number of substances; gas lighter refills, aerosols containing hairspray, deodorants or air fresheners, tins or tubs of glue, some paints, thinners and correcting fluids and petroleum products.

How do you take it?

• 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.

What does it feel like?

• Users say it's like being drunk with dizziness, dreaminess and fits of giggles. It can be difficult to think straight.
• Depending on what you inhale, you can hallucinate. This can last for up to 45 minutes
• It can give people a 'hangover' afterwards, giving them severe headaches and leaving them tired.

What are the risks?

• People can experience vomiting and blackouts.
• There's a risk of fatal heart problems which have been known to kill users the very first time they sniff.
• Squirting gas products down the throat is a particularly dangerous way of taking the drug. It can make your throat swell so you can't breathe and slows down your heart.
• You risk suffocation if you inhale from a plastic bag over your head.
• Sniffing can seriously affect your judgment and when you're high there's a real danger you'll do something reckless.

The Law

Solvent misuse isn't illegal. However, it's illegal for shopkeepers to sell you intoxicating substances if they think you're likely to be inhaling them.

For more information visit the FRANK website