RESOLV

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RE-SOLV

• THE SOCIETY FOR THE PREVENTION
• OF SOLVENT AND VOLATILE SUBSTANCE ABUSE

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Is VSA an issue today?
I thought solvent abuse was a craze in the 80s,
I always thought it had died out
- Teacher in Broxburn, W. Lothian
One in ten children is sniffing glue by 13
- Quote from Daily Express (March 16, 2002)

• VSA has killed over 2000 young people since
  records began, as opposed to Ecstasy which has
  killed just over 150.
• In 2001, 65 people died as a result of VSA in the
  UK.
• 65 - two thirds of deaths were under the age of
  19.
• 65 of deaths in 2001 were attributed to Butane,
  3 of these deaths were connected with disposable
  lighters.

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Whos at the greatest risk?
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The Products
Solvents and volatile substances are a range of
products that give off an intoxicating vapour.
There are two ingredients that are candidates for
sniffing solvents and propellant gases. There
are more than one hundred commercially available
products that are now used to get high.

• Solvents
• Glues
• Correction Fluid
• Paint Thinners

• Gases
• Cigarette lighter refills
• Aerosols
• Whipped cream cans

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This years products of choice

• Butane gas
• Whipped cream
• Deodorant sprays
• Wheelie Bins/Phone boxes (not confirmed)
• Petrol

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How are they misused?
There are various ways these products can be
inhaled to get high. Listed below are some of
the most common methods of sniffing.

• Sprayed directly into the mouth
• Sprayed through a cloth towel, T-shirt, sock
  etc
• Inhaled from a bag i.e. plastic bag, crisp bag
  etc
• Inhaled straight from the container
• Material dipped in solvent and held over nose
  and mouth i.e. handkerchief, tie, sleeve etc.
• Decanting plastic pop bottle, balloon etc.

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Physical Effects
Spots/sores around the mouth
Buzzing in the ears
Blackouts
Bloodshot eyes
Dizzy
Persistent cold
Chronic Headaches
Slurred Speech
Light headed
Sickness
Lack of Co-ordination
Bad Cough
Drowsy
Numbness tingling in hands and feet
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Mental Effects
Violent/aggressive behaviour
Loss of inhibitions
Mood swings
Uncontrollable behaviour
Paranoia
Anxiousness
Lack of concentration
Hallucinations Bad trips
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Long-Term Damage
Certain products if used everyday can damage
Normal Healthy Brain

• The Brain
• Nervous System
• Liver
• Kidney (stones)
• Lungs
• Reproductive Organs

Damaged Brain
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Why do they do it?
There are four main categories of people who
sniff solvents

• Experimental user

• Social user

• Problematic user

• Chronic user

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What if they wont stop?
There is no such thing as safe sniffing as may
deaths occur instantly from direct toxic effects,
but there are some exceptional hazards which can
be avoided as follows

• The use of plastic bags, especially when placed
  over the head.
• Spraying contents of aerosols and gases directly
  into the mouth.
• Having lighted cigarettes, or other sources of
  ignition in the vicinity as many of these
  products are highly flammable.
• Intoxication in dangerous places i.e. canal
  banks, railways etc.
• Mixing volatile substances with illegal drugs or
  alcohol, or using them heavily over long periods.

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How can we help you?
For further information or advice

• A National Freephone Helpline for parents,
  professionals and young people.
• 0808 800 2345
• A database of UK organisations that can provide
  further help and support i.e. one-to-one
  counselling services etc.
• www.re-solv.org
• PADA The central helpline for the parents and
  families of drug misusers. National 24 hour
  helpline.
• 0845 7023867

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Re-Solv in Scotland

• Know the Score booklet
• Retailer awareness poster and booklet
• Police training
• Co-working with DATs
• Working with youth clubs
• Schools work
• Working with Scottish Executive