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Solvent Abuse

Statistics show that three times more young people die from solvent abuse than illegal drugs. Nearly 300 people have died from abusing solvents in the last four years. In a high proportion of cases, the young person has died from his or her first attempt at solvent abuse.

Signs that someone might be abusing solvents include:

A chemical smell on their breath or clothing
Empty containers left where they have spent time on their own or with friends
Acting like they are drunk for a short period of time

It may be possible that young people who are repeatedly abusing solvents may have problems they are trying to avoid which need to be solved.

Side Effects

The short-term effects of solvents include an initial euphoria, followed by blurred vision, slurred speech, and an uncoordinated gait and hallucinations. These may occur with some other substances. The abuser may also fall into a coma. Sudden physical exertion while intoxicated may lead to cardiac arrhythmias and can result in death. Because the substances are inhaled, they are absorbed into the blood stream and reach the brain very quickly. The degree and duration of intoxication depends on the dose and duration of exposure. Even after the intoxication has worn off, later effects may last for days. These include headaches, stomach-aches, conjunctivitis, and a cough.

Other effects to be aware of are changes in sleep patterns, changes in appetite, changes in drinking patterns, changes in behaviour such as tiredness, irritability and aggressiveness and changes in school performance.

Volatile chemicals are absorbed into the body via the large surface area of the lungs. Lipophilic solvents are attracted to areas of fatty tissues, particularly in the brain, making children, who have large amounts of fatty tissue present in their bodies, particularly susceptible to damage. Most substances are breathed out in an unchanged form but some are metabolised and excreted via the kidneys.

Euphoria

The initial euphoria is fleeting and is followed by drunkenness similar to that of alcohol.

Hallucinations

These are mainly visual and will occur with the abuse of particular substances.

Accidents

In a study of 400 abusers, 10% had been involved in an accident or had received an associated injury, such as a fall or a burn, while intoxicated.

Hangover

A solvent hangover is likely to be less severe than that of alcohol and is unlikely to act as a deterrent.

Dependence and addiction-A tolerance to substances may develop, but it is rare to have a psychological dependence or craving for solvents, and physical withdrawal symptoms have been found in only a few isolated cases.

Morbidity

Studies suggest that there is very little morbidity associated with abuse. In a survey of 788 young abusers there were no physical, haematological or biochemical abnormalities detected. The study revealed one case each of acute renal failure, encephalopathy, status epilepticus and hepatic damage, and each was thought to be caused by an idiosyncratic response to toluene.

Mortality

Sudden death may occur from ventricular fibrillation, hypoxia or hypercarbia. Sudden physical exertion is a very immediate risk while intoxicated, as this may release endogenous adrenaline, which excites the myocardial fibres and leads to ventricular fibrillation. Volatile substance abuse is unique among drug problems in that the most common complication, which brings the misuser to notice, is sudden death. In 2006, 40% of deaths were attributed to first-time experimentation.

Associated causes of death-Deaths have occurred through inhalation of vomit, multiple injuries sustained in accidents while intoxicated and by the toxic effects of the substance.

If you would like more information regarding Volatile Solvent Abuse please contact Resolv on 01785 817885 or visit their website http://www.re-solve.org/