SOLVENTS
Not Suitable for Children
This material contains information on different solvents and methods of use which can
encourage experimentation in children. Please do not distribute to children.
What they are and how they are used
Solvents include a range of products which give off fumes and cause intoxication (similar to
alcohol or anaesthetics). They include butane (eg cigarette lighter gas), aerosol sprays, petrol,
some glues, correction fluids, paint thinners, dry cleaning fluid, nail polish removers and others.
Solvents are also called inhalants or volatile substances. The behaviour of inhaling these
substances to get intoxicated is called 'sniffing', 'glue sniffing', solvent abuse or volatile substance
abuse (VSA). Solvents can be directly inhaled through the mouth or nose from its container or
place into another container such as a plastic bag or tin or by putting the substance on a sleeve or
rag.
Effects of solvents
As with all drugs, the effects of solvent sniffing will depend on:
 the amount inhaled;
 the environment in which the substance is used;
 individual characteristics such as age, gender, mood, previous experience and mood; and
 the way the substance is inhaled.
The effects of solvents are similar to alcohol. However, they differ in their speed of onset which
can occur within seconds. This can cause disorientation. Unless more gas is inhaled, the primary
effects tends to wear off in 1 - 5 minutes. In some cases where large amounts have been inhaled
over a period of time, these effects can last up to 1 hour after the last dose. Up to half of those using
solvents also report visual distortions (mild hallucinations or illusions). These tend to be
frightening in nature.
Solvents can sometimes cause irritation to the nose, eyes and mouth during and after use.
Hangovers and headaches often occur shortly after use.
Problems
Research suggests that the physical effects of solvents on organ tissue (including the brain), rarely
causes permanent damage. Where there is evidence of effects such as memory problems, reduced
impulse control, kidney or liver effects, these are mostly reversible if the person stops using
solvents.
Long term use of some solvents can cause permanent damage to brain, liver and kidney function
although this is relatively rare.
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Long term use of leaded petrol can, however, cause brain damage as well as other health problems
including leukemia, cancers, pneumonia and anorexia.
Some solvents, particularly butane gas in lighter refills, aerosols, cleaning fluid and petrol can
cause 'Sudden Sniffing Death' (SSD). Heart failure can occur during strenuous exercise or if
suddenly frightened immediately after or during sniffing. Sudden death from solvents can also be
caused by lack of oxygen if a plastic bag is placed over the head or from suffocation is aerosols are
sprayed directly into throat from swelling and spasm of the larynx.
Accidents such as drowning and injury from motor vehicles occur in much the same way as
intoxication from alcohol.
Some people can become dependent upon solvents, which may cause serious disruption to their
lives as well as resulting in developmental delays. Some young people use solvents to manage
psychological pain and as a way to show others they have problems. It's use may be similar to
self-harming behaviours. Suicide is a high risk with these young people, particularly in
unsupported detoxification.
Tolerance (needing more of the substance for similar effects) can occur with regular solvent use.
Cross tolerance, (tolerance to other substances) particularly to alcohol and anaesthetic gases can
also occur. Withdrawal symptoms tend to be reduced as solvents are absorbed into the fatty tissue
and slowly released from the body. However, if heavily reliant on solvents, a range of symptoms
from anxiety and depression to headaches and abdominal cramps can occur.
Who uses solvents
Most Young People DO NOT use solvents
ASSAD 1996 WA School Survey
Students who have not used solvents in the past week, month, year and ever
100
80
60
40
20
0
Week
Month
Year
Ever
While the peak age range of solvent use is between 11 and 16, the vast majority (around 4 out of 5)
of this age group have never use solvents. Of those who have use solvents, the majority only try
once or twice (experimental). Some may continue to use socially for a period while the drug is in
fashion (social). A small minority will continue to use and may become dependent.
While there is a modest over-representation of Aboriginal children using solvents in some
communities, by far the largest number of solvent users in Western Australia are non-Aboriginal.
There seems to be a relatively equal distribution between gender of solvent users in WA.
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The majority of those who use solvents report that use other substances such as alcohol or
marijuana more often and in preference to solvents.
Why they use solvents and why they don't
Generally speaking, young people use solvents for much the same reasons as adults use alcohol or
other substances. These reasons can be grouped into: a) seeking pleasure or b) avoiding discomfort
and pain. In addition, young people may try these substances out of curiosity, to challenge adult
values, to draw attention to themselves, to be the best at being bad, and to be part of a sub-culture
they may identify with.
Protective Factors
Possibly a more important question is why don't the majority of young people use these
substances, given that they are cheap, available, legal and provide a short-term 'high' which can be
easily controlled and extended. The naturally occurring protective factors which reduce the
amount of solvent inhalation include:
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seen as 'gutter drugs' by most youth;
social disapproval including peers;
not advertised or glamorised by media;
fear of harm, particularly brain damage;
disapproval by parents and adults;
bad smell;
effects can be frightening and disorientating;
headaches and irritation to eyes, nose and mouth.
The above protective factors are particularly important in designing interventions. That is, where
possible they should be maximised. They definitely should not be compromised as these factors
affect the majority of young people.
Law
It is not illegal to supply, possess or use inhalants in Western Australia. One reason for this is that
it is difficult to restrict the supply of products which have legitimate uses. In the United Kingdom,
where laws were introduced to reduce supply of solvents, solvent deaths increased as users moved
to more hazardous products (aerosols & butane gas) which were difficult to control. However,
voluntary controls are encouraged. Retailers have the legal right to refuse sale of solvents if they
choose. Having a written store policy will help protect stores against the unlikely event of
discrimination issues.
Police in WA are able to apprehend young solvent users, transport them to a responsible adult or
detain them until a responsible adult can be found under Section 18 of the Young Offenders Act or
Section 138B of the Child Welfare Act. Police may also use other laws to manage conduct disorder
such as threatening or violent behaviour.
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What can be done
Identify exactly what's happening, what's working and what's not
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How much use & by whom?
What are the key issues associate with solvent sniffing to be managed?
What's already being done (what's working and what's not)
Who needs to be involved
Supply of Solvents
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Retailer interventions (eg Retailers Acting Against Solvent Use Resource Kit )
Av gas in remote communities
Intoxication Management
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Community patrols
Safe house (ie sobering-up beds)
Police/welfare link-up
Truancy
Chronic Abusers
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Rehabilitation services
Case management
Parent & Family Support
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Education (eg booklet Solvent Sniffing - An Information Guide for Parents About Glue and Other
Solvent Use)
Support for families (attempt to both support families in distress as well as mobilise parents as a key
resource)
Drug Education
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Training health & welfare workers
Young people & parents
Schools
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Make sure schools are part of the School Drug Education Project
Ensure that there is a school drug management policy which is well known and practiced
Provide resources, training & support to student services staff regarding solvent sniffing
Encourage the development of peer support programs within the school
Provided well targeted interventions rather than whole of school approach to specific solvent issues
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Alternative Activities
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Recreation
Education & vocational
Involve in community service (eg helping family, school or community projects)
Media Management
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Code of practice
Central point(s) for media contact
Link Up With Others
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Develop a working relationship with key stakeholders
Form a committee or working party
Discuss with your local Community Drug Service Team and/or other specialist drug service. Ring ADIS
Review, Plan, Act, Review...
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Use this action learning cycle to ensure quality and effectiveness of interventions
What not to do
Media
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Don't support media scare stories - they advertise solvents
Groups
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Be cautious running groups for solvent users: it may reinforce a delinquent group
Schools
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Don't announce solvent issues to all students - it advertises solvents
Don't pay special attention to solvents - discuss in the context of general intoxication
Don't describe all solvents or methods of use - speak in general terms, possibly mention glue
Be cautious about suspending for solvent use - may be positive reinforcement & duty of care
Parents
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Don't lecture or blame parents - provide supportive engagement where possible
Previous experience
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Don't do more of what hasn't worked in the past - try something different
Sudden Sniffing Death
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Don't chase or frighten intoxicated solvent users - may cause heart failure
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