Addiction - GENERAL - What-is-solvent-abuse

What is solvent abuse?

What is solvent abuse? – poisons.co.nz By Stanley J Gross, ED.D

Solvent abuse occurs when someone deliberately breathes in the gas or vapours of a substance with the purpose of reaching a "high". Most inhalants are legal, everyday products that have a useful purpose, but can be misused (predominantly by teenagers) because they are inexpensive and easy to obtain.

What are other terms for solvent abuse?

Solvent abuse is often referred to as bagging, huffing or sniffing depending on the method used to obtain a "high".

What products are used?

In the average home, there are over 30 products that may be abused. Common products that are abused include: aerosols (i.e. air freshener, fly spray), cleaning products (i.e., dry cleaning fluid, nail polish remover), fuels (i.e. petrol, turpentine), glues (solvent based glues) and gases (LPG, lighter fluid).

Who abuses solvents?

The most common age group to abuse solvents is thought to be 13 to 15 year olds, with the frequency of use declining by 17 to 19 years. However, children as young as 6 to 8 years have been treated following experimentation with solvents. Most solvent abusers outgrow the habit before adulthood, but there are reports of chronic users who develop an emotional dependency and continue the practice into adulthood.

Why are solvents abused?

Experimentation -Solvent abuse can satisfy a youthful need to experiment
Peer pressure - The pressure to be popular can make it difficult to resist friends' persuasion
Medical or psychological factors - Solvent abuse may arise as a symptom of another problem.
Accessibility - Cheap and easy to buy or steal or freely available in the home
Boredom - Solvent abuse 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

What symptoms can I look for in my child?

Signs of solvent abuse may be difficult to distinguish from "normal" adolescent behaviour. The following may be indicators that a child is abusing solvents:

A chemical smell on the breath or clothing
Empty aerosol, butane or glue containers left where the child has been
"Drunken" behaviour such as a dazed or dizzy appearance, where consumption of alcohol is an unlikely explanation
Suddenly mixing with a new group of friends, especially if they hang out in secluded places
Mood swings or a general change in behaviour, to a greater extent than usual
Alterations in sleeping patterns or eating behaviour
A persistently runny nose or eye irritation. Sometimes rashes and pimples around the nose and mouth can be signs of abuse, but it is important to note that these only occur with the use of specific products, and can be confused with acne.

What dangers are associated with solvent abuse?

Solvents can kill instantly at anytime! Many people who die from "sniffing" do so on their first or second experiment; there is no evidence they have "sniffed" before.

Reasons for death include:

Heart failure
Suffocation
Explosions
Choking on vomit
Fatal accidents (such as drowning)

Nearly all abused products produce effects similar to anaesthetics, which slow down the body's function. Depending on the amount inhaled, the user can experience slight stimulation, feelings of inhibition or loss of consciousness.

Other effects from long term use include damage to the:

Heart - Sudden death ("sudden sniffing death") from a heart attack most often occurs in a person who is using a solvent for the first time. Sudden sniffing death occurs because the solvent causes the heart to become very sensitive to the effects of adrenaline. Vagal inhibition can also result in heart failure. This may occur when aerosols are sprayed directly into the mouth.
Lungs -The lungs are sensitive to solvent vapours. Minor effects include sore throat, cough and runny nose. Air in the chest around the lungs may develop when gas is inhaled under pressure from a large can or bag. Liquid solvents can also enter the lung, especially if vomiting occurs while the person is drowsy. Many of the inhalants may also cause tightness of the chest and difficulty in breathing, especially in asthmatics.
Kidneys -Some solvents may affect the kidneys' ability to control the amount of acid in the blood.
Brain - Many solvents can kill brain cells. Solvents can also cause short-term memory loss, and numerous other learning and social function effects
Liver - Some solvents have been linked to liver damage
Muscles - Use can lead to muscle wasting, reduced muscle tone and strength

Solvent abuse is both physically and psychologically addictive and users can suffer withdrawal symptoms.

What can you do if you suspect your teenager is abusing solvents?

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 realise how dangerous solvent abuse is and may need reminding about the possible dangers.
It is important to realise 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. Be frank but don't be judgemental in the manner the issue is discussed.
Discuss issues of peer pressure and resistance skills.
If possible, get your child assessed by a doctor for a general health check.

What should you do if you catch someone abusing solvents?

Remain calm and do not panic
Do not argue with or excite the person when they are under the influence
Excitement or stimulation can cause hallucinations or violence
Activity or stress may cause heart problems (which can be deadly)
Talk with other persons present or check the area for clues to what was used
If the person is awake, keep them calm and in a well-ventilated room
Call the National Poisons Centre or seek medical advice
If the person is unconscious or not breathing, ring an ambulance
Administer CPR until help arrives

Once the person has recovered:

Seek professional help for them:
School nurse
Counsellor
Doctor
Other health care worker

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Back

The Have I Got A Problem website is a free online resource to help people better understand any issues or concerns they may have about mental health or addiction. The website includes resources specifically focused to; general Mental Health, Depression, Stress, Anxiety, Insecurities, Self-harm Schizophrenia, Bipolar, Anger Management, Eating Disorders, Coping, general Addiction, Alcohol, Smoking, Gambling, Drugs, Cocaine, Heroin, Marijuana (Cannabis) Ecstasy, PCP, Mephedrone, Ketamine & Crystal Meth.

The site was created to give the public information to help them understand mental health and addiction issues and to assist people in making better informed decisions about their life and personal choices.

www.haveigotaproblem.com was created and is run by 'Advising Communities’, which is a UK registered charity (Charity No. 1061055)

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More Tips & Hints

What is solvent abuse?

Downloads

Web Resources

Quotes

Tips & Hints

Look for help

Seek support from your family

No more secrets

Regain Power

Make a Life Change

Explore Your Feelings

Risks

Be Honest

Stress & Anger Management

Self-Help Groups

Think before

Be committed

Do more

Build momentum

Reject perfection

Relapse

Reinvent your routine

Tell your friends

Good Self Care

Friendship network

Acceptance

Interventions

Speak to your kids

When confronting somebody

Understand addictions

Understand that, legality aside, alcohol and nicotine and even caffeine are 'drugs'

Enjoy the little and big events of life

Rediscover the art of meaningful conversation

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