(Taken from Drugs.ie)

Solvents…Such as: gases, glue, correction fluids and thinners, petroleum products, aerosols including hairspray, deodorants and air-fresheners.

How it’s used

They can be sniffed directly, put on to a rag or sleeve and inhale. Glues are sniffed from inside a plastic bag.

Effects last up to 45 minutes
You feel more drunk the deeper you inhale
Your breathing and heart rate slow down
Loss of coordination and disorientation
You may lose consciousness and not see properly
Can cause a red rash around the mouth
Nausea, vomiting and blackouts
Your airways may swell up and lead to breathing and heart problems
Long-term effects
You risk brain, liver and kidney damage
You may have stomach pain, nausea, vomiting
They can kill you the first time you use them
Other dangers
You are at risk of accidents while drunk
If you are pregnant
Do not use if you are pregnant as we don’t know enough about the risks to your baby
Addictive
You can get psychologically addicted so you feel you can’t cope without it. You can build tolerance so you need to take more to get the same buzz.
What help is available?
Self-help support such as Narcotics Anonymous
Counselling or psychotherapy
Complementary therapies, such as acupuncture
Support from your doctor
Residential treatment programmes (clinics)
Aftercare
One to one or group family support
Contact the Drugs Helpline 1800 459 459 to find out about options in your area. (Drugs.ie)
You can also contact the Rialto Community Drug Team in confidence on 014540021

SOLVENTS…