What
is solvent and volatile substance abuse?|
SOLVENT ABUSE |
|
The greatest DANGER for YOUR CHILD is in your home |
What
is solvent and volatile substance abuse?
Parents
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What is solvent and volatile substance abuse?
Solvent and volatile substance abuse (VSA) occurs when someone deliberately breathes in the fumes from ordinary household products like cigarette lighter refills, glue, petrol and other products, to get "high". In the average home, there are over 30 abusable products.
Solvent and
volatile substance abuse (VSA) is a very dangerous activity. In
1998, the last year for which there are official figures, 70 people died
as a result of VSA. The majority of deaths occurred in the 14-18 age
range, although much younger children have dies. First time abuse
can be fatal - in 31.4% of deaths in 1998, there was no evidence of
previous abuse. Prolonged misuse of solvents can result in brain, liver
and kidney damage.
There are many possible reasons behind solvent abuse, an understanding of these may help you and your child overcome 'sniffing' problems.
Experimentation
- VSA can satisfy a
youthful need to experiment.
Peer
pressure - The power of peer
pressure can often be underestimated during the teenage years, which are a
time of self-discovery and personal growth. The pressure to be popular can
make it difficult to resist friends' persuasion, even when there are
dangers, and taking risks can seem an easy way to impress friends.
Medical
or psychological factors -
Sniffing may arise as a symptom of another problem, rather than the cause.
It can be a means of avoidance. A 'sniffing' problem may stop when other
problems are confronted and help sought.
Accessibility
- Volatile
substances can appear an attractive alternative to drugs as they are cheap
and easy to buy or steal, and many are freely available in the home.
Boredom
- Sniffing can
satisfy a need for new, exciting and cheap social activities.
To
shock - The power
to shock adults can be a means of asserting one's individuality during a
typical period of conflict between parent and child.
Social
activity - Young
people may see sniffing as comparable to their parents having a social
drink at the pub.
Signs of VSA can be difficult to distinguish from 'normal' adolescent behavior. However, any of the following may mean your child has a 'sniffing' problem: