You've found that YOUR CHILD is 'sniffing' solvents Call the National Information Line on 01785 810762 to find out what you can do next. Mon-Fri 9am-5pm (excluding public holidays)

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.  

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The abuse of solvents tends to take place at an earlier age than other illegal drugs. Research has found that children below the age of 13 are more likely to use volatile substances than any illegal drug. Talking with your child about solvents is one of the ways that parents can try to prevent abuse taking place. Try to discuss the dangers in an open and relaxed way choosing a good time to talk. It is important to listen to your child carefully and also try to establish a clear family position on drugs with them.

• How dangerous is VSA?
• What are the signs and symptoms?
• Will I see any changes in their behaviour?
• What can I do?
• What do I do in an emergency?

How dangerous is VSA?

Anyone experimenting with volatile substances is at risk from sudden death. Death may happen at the first attempt or following many attempts and is caused by:

• Heart failure - the heart becomes oversensitive to adrenaline and beats ineffectively. There is an extra danger if sniffing is followed by exertion or over excitement.
• Choking on vomit.
• Accidents when 'high' or hallucinating. Risk of burns or explosions as many of these products are highly flammable.
• Drugs or alcohol may interact with the solvents and could increase the risks.

There can be over 30 abusable products in the home, with many parents unaware of the danger. Statistics show that most incidents of abuse occur in the home or the home of a friend.

Sniffing can also damage your sight, hearing, nervous system and organs such as lungs, kidneys and liver.

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What are the signs and symptoms?

• Dizziness
• Slurred speech
• Loss of coordination
• Hallucinations
• Paranoia and anxiety
• Chemical smell
• Paraphernalia - empty products, teeth marks on nozzles, white marks on towels, etc.

• Suddenly mixing with a new group of friends, especially if they hang out in secluded places.
• Moods swings or a deterioration in attitude or behaviour, to a greater extent than normal.
• Altered sleep pattern - difficulty in getting out of bed.
• Possible changes in appetite.
• A persistently runny nose or eye irritations. Sometimes rashes and pimples around the nose and mouth, but these occur only with the use of specific products and can be confused with teenage acne.
• Headaches.
• Secretive / evasive behaviour.
• Problems in school - poor performance / absence.

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What can I do?

• Don't panic. Most young people who try 'sniffing' and only a minority do, don't enjoy it and give up after a few times.
• Most young people don't realize how dangerous VSA is and may need reminding about the possible dangers.
• It is important to realize that young people who abuse solvents may be trying to block out other problems.  Try to talk with your child to see if anything is troubling them.
• If possible, take your child to see a doctor for a general health check.

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.

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What do I do in an emergency?

If the young person is drowsy or unconscious:

• STAY CALM. Remove any solvents and give them as much fresh air as possible.
• Place the young person on their side so that they don't choke on vomit.
• Keep the misuser calm and still. There is risk of sudden death if exertion follows sniffing. Don't chase, scare or over excite them.
• Call an ambulance if the child is unconscious.
• If they are conscious stay with them until the effects have worn off.
• Try to stop them sniffing without using force.
• This is not the best time to discuss their sniffing problem. Being supportive at this stage will open channels of communication for later.