SolventsSolvents

OutlineOutline• HistoryHistory• Key StatsKey Stats• Different types of solventsDifferent types of solvents• How they workHow they work• Methods of useMethods of use• Health / DangersHealth / Dangers

Defining volatile substance abuseDefining volatile substance abuse

• Solvent abuse Solvent abuse is sometimes called is sometimes called glue glue sniffing, inhalant abuse sniffing, inhalant abuse or or volatile substance volatile substance abuseabuse (VSA) (VSA)

• Children and young people often call it Children and young people often call it huffing, sniffing huffing, sniffing or or tootingtooting. .

((NHS Direct website)NHS Direct website)

How does Solvent use differ from other drugs?

• The age at which young people experiment is generally much younger than for controlled substances

• Solvents aren’t physically addictive. However the user may develop a psychological addiction

What is solvent and volatile substance abuse?

• Volatile substances are depressants which slow down the activity of your brain.

• They can also be stimulants and cause hallucinations.

• Two main candidates for sniffing; solvents /gases

Solvents:Solvents:What are you finding?What are you finding?

• Age & SexAge & Sex• Products & MethodsProducts & Methods• Social & family issuesSocial & family issues• FinancialFinancial• Physical healthPhysical health• Mental healthMental health• Other alcohol or drug useOther alcohol or drug use

Who uses volatile substances?Who uses volatile substances?

• One in 10 secondary school children ‘sniff’ at One in 10 secondary school children ‘sniff’ at least once, most of these will only experiment least once, most of these will only experiment

• Less than one per cent of all children become Less than one per cent of all children become heavy and frequent users.heavy and frequent users.

• Peak age for experimenting around 13 or 14. Peak age for experimenting around 13 or 14. • Boys are more likely to die than girls, and it is Boys are more likely to die than girls, and it is

more common in inner city areas. more common in inner city areas. • 1996 British Crime Survey - Black or South 1996 British Crime Survey - Black or South

Asian groups half as likely to use volatile Asian groups half as likely to use volatile substances as those from White groups.substances as those from White groups.

History & key findingsHistory & key findings

Historical Background• Ancient Greece -“Cave Sniffing”• 1775 – Joseph Priestley: Nitrous oxide• 1790s – Humphrey Davy tested gas on

himself including Coleridge.• 1857 – Amyl nitrite, treatment for angina  • 19th Century - England and America

Ether, chloroform and nitrous oxide“sniffing parties” and “ether frolics”

• Second World War - Germany• ether drunk as a substitute for alcohol• 1950s America – petrol/glue sniffing• Australia, India and Great Britain• 1976 – Punks and ‘glue sniffing’• 1980 – Glasgow study - community response• 1990-92 - VSA deaths fall sharply• 2000 – present Butane accounts for majority

of deaths, increase in glue

Key statisticsKey statistics• Since 1971Since 1971, there have been more than , there have been more than 2,198 2,198

VSA-linked deaths in the UKVSA-linked deaths in the UK. . • In In 20052005, , 45 deaths 45 deaths were associated with VSA, were associated with VSA,

the lowest since 1983.the lowest since 1983.• The rapid fall in VSA deaths in the early 1990s The rapid fall in VSA deaths in the early 1990s

associated in part with an associated in part with an advertising advertising campaigncampaign in 1992 in 1992??

• In In 20052005, , butanebutane from all sources, including from all sources, including aerosol propellantsaerosol propellants, accounted for , accounted for 80 per cent 80 per cent of the of the 45 VSA-linked 45 VSA-linked deaths. deaths.

• 1971 to 20051971 to 2005, , halfhalf of all VSA-linked deaths occurred in of all VSA-linked deaths occurred in the under-18 age group.the under-18 age group.

• 2000–2005,2000–2005, there were there were 52 deaths associated 52 deaths associated with VSA with VSA (10–15 age group), compared with 24 deaths associated (10–15 age group), compared with 24 deaths associated with drug abuse.with drug abuse.

• VSAVSA is nearly equal is nearly equal between the sexesbetween the sexes, but deaths in the , but deaths in the over-18over-18 age group are far more common among age group are far more common among males. males.

• Most fatalities Most fatalities were in the abuser’s were in the abuser’s home (73 per cent), home (73 per cent), with a further 7 per cent of abuses taking place in the with a further 7 per cent of abuses taking place in the home of a friend.home of a friend.

Source: ‘Trends in Death Associated With Abuse of Volatile Source: ‘Trends in Death Associated With Abuse of Volatile Substances: 1971-2005’, Field-Smith and others (2007)Substances: 1971-2005’, Field-Smith and others (2007)

The law and solventsThe law and solvents

Legislation• Intoxicating Substances (Supply) Act 1985

Illegal to sell to under 18s if reasonable belief the substance may be inhaled

• Cigarette Lighter Refill (Safety) Regulations 1999Offence to supply any refill canister containing butane to under 18s

• Few prosecutions, only 53 out of 90 leading to a conviction, the other 37 resulting in a fine

• Maximum penalty is 6 month prison sentence and a fine of £5,000

Different types of solventsDifferent types of solvents

What are the different volatile What are the different volatile substances?substances?

• Aerosol glueAerosol glue• Air freshenerAir freshener• Anaesthetic agentsAnaesthetic agents• Butane gas cansButane gas cans• ChloroformChloroform• Cleaning fluidsCleaning fluids• Contact adhesivesContact adhesives• Deodorant/Deodorant/

AntiperspirantAntiperspirant• GluesGlues

• Hair sprayHair spray• Industrial solventsIndustrial solvents• Lighter fuelLighter fuel• Model glueModel glue• Paint thinners and Paint thinners and

strippersstrippers• PetrolPetrol• Propane gas cylinderPropane gas cylinder

Solvents & GasesSolvents

Used to keep products dissolved until they are ready for use. Glues, Tipex, nail varnish, petrol etc.

Quick evaporation and volatility give the intoxicating effect.

GasesFuel gases i.e. cigarette lighter refills or propellantsPropellantsPressurised liquid gases used to propel the contents (e.g. hairspray) from the container. Main propellant used today is butane

Organic solventsOrganic solvents

Put into right orderPut into right order• Methyl acetate/ethyl acetate – Methyl acetate/ethyl acetate – dry cleanersdry cleaners• Toluene/turps -Toluene/turps -paint thinnerspaint thinners• Citrus terpenes - Citrus terpenes - nail varnish removernail varnish remover• Tetra-chloro-ethylene - Tetra-chloro-ethylene - gluesglues• Hexane, petrol ether - Hexane, petrol ether - spot removersspot removers• Acetone - Acetone - detergentsdetergents• Ethanol - Ethanol - perfumes perfumes

Examples of organic solventsExamples of organic solvents• Tetra-chloro-ethylene – Tetra-chloro-ethylene – dry cleanersdry cleaners• Toluene/turps -Toluene/turps -paint thinnerspaint thinners• Acetone – Acetone – nail varnish removernail varnish remover• Methyl acetate/ethyl acetate – Methyl acetate/ethyl acetate – gluesglues• Hexane, petrol ether – Hexane, petrol ether – spot removersspot removers• Citrus terpenes – Citrus terpenes – detergentsdetergents• Ethanol - Ethanol - perfumes perfumes

How are volatile substances used?How are volatile substances used?

• Glue tends to be sniffed from bags, including crisp bags. Glue tends to be sniffed from bags, including crisp bags. • Liquids, including petrol, can be sniffed from a Liquids, including petrol, can be sniffed from a

handkerchief or a coat sleeve. handkerchief or a coat sleeve. • Gaseous preparations, such as butane and aerosols, can Gaseous preparations, such as butane and aerosols, can

be sniffed from bags or sprayed directly into the mouth.be sniffed from bags or sprayed directly into the mouth.• Heads are often placed inside a large plastic bag to inhale Heads are often placed inside a large plastic bag to inhale

the fumes.the fumes.  Some people will inhale through both the nose and mouth to enhance the Some people will inhale through both the nose and mouth to enhance the

effect. effect.

Gas Fuels• Accounted for 46.8%

of deaths between 1971 and 2006.

• 2006 - 56.3%• Cigarette lighter fuel

refills constituted 81.7% of total gas deaths 1971-2006

Aerosols

• Accounted for 17.7% of deaths between 1971 and 2006

Adhesives

• Glues accounted for 15% of deaths between 1971 and 2006

How solvents workHow solvents work

How do solvents and volatile substances work?How do solvents and volatile substances work?

• Absorbed through the lungs into the bloodstream. Absorbed through the lungs into the bloodstream. • The chemicals in solvents are fat soluble pass The chemicals in solvents are fat soluble pass

rapidly to the brain - effects 20-30 seconds last for rapidly to the brain - effects 20-30 seconds last for the next 30-40 minutesthe next 30-40 minutes

• Effects vary from person to person the ‘high’ usually Effects vary from person to person the ‘high’ usually last only a few minutes. last only a few minutes.

• Duration of the experience depends on the product Duration of the experience depends on the product glue has a longer duration than butane.glue has a longer duration than butane.

Initial feeling of euphoria, very similar to alcohol Initial feeling of euphoria, very similar to alcohol intoxication, speed of onset is much more rapid;intoxication, speed of onset is much more rapid;

• • • Drowsiness: initial excitement often followed by drowsinessDrowsiness: initial excitement often followed by drowsiness• • • Slurred speechSlurred speech• • • Loss of co-ordinationLoss of co-ordination• • • Buzz - buzzing in the earsBuzz - buzzing in the ears• • • Light-headed - floaty feelingLight-headed - floaty feeling• • • Numbness and tingling in hands and feetNumbness and tingling in hands and feet• • • HallucinationsHallucinations• • • Visual distortions - flashes of lights before the eyesVisual distortions - flashes of lights before the eyes• • • Loss of inhibitionsLoss of inhibitions

Biochemistry of SolventsBiochemistry of Solvents

SolventsSolvents

Nerve cell in brain

(diffuses through cell membrane?)

Biochemistry of SolventsBiochemistry of Solvents

Solvents?Solvents?Nerve cell in brain

NMDA /GABA

Receptor

User ProfileUser Profile

Reasons for volatile substance abuseReasons for volatile substance abuse

Children and young people calling ChildLine identified the Children and young people calling ChildLine identified the following reasons for abusing volatile substances:following reasons for abusing volatile substances:

• low self-esteem and poor self image and resulting self-low self-esteem and poor self image and resulting self-harmharm

• difficult family relationshipsdifficult family relationships• lack of support through traumatic events and transitionslack of support through traumatic events and transitions• peer influencepeer influence• bullying, violence and other abusebullying, violence and other abuse• opportunity and availability.opportunity and availability.

Who Sniffs Solvents and Volatile Substances?

Four groups;• Experimental, • Social• Problematic • Chronic

Experimental UseThe majority of young people fall into this category and only try solvents once or twice

Social Use• Young people ‘sniff’ solvents in a

recreational way or with friends. • The amount of use varies depending on

what else is happening in their lives• Often just a phase in their life and stops

when they find other interests or ‘grow out of it’

Problematic Use• People see their sniffing as more

important than other activities.• Underlying reasons for use include

problems with friends or family, financial pressures and using solvents as a way of managing difficult, feelings, stresses or situations.

Chronic Use• Only a small number of people become chronic

users.• More regular and increasing amounts need to be

taken to get the same effect.• May use alone or with others.• Users may also have other problems such as

difficulties at home, depression, anxiety, low achievement at school etc.

• Solvents are often used as a way of escaping from problems

HealthHealth

HealthHealth• The primary danger is death, particularly through first The primary danger is death, particularly through first

time use. time use. Heart Failure – Sudden Death Syndrome(cardiac arrhythmia)

• Drug induced trauma – paranoia, agitation, anxiety.Drug induced trauma – paranoia, agitation, anxiety.• Vulnerable to a range of dangers and risky behaviours. Vulnerable to a range of dangers and risky behaviours. • If butane or aerosols are sprayed directly into the mouth, If butane or aerosols are sprayed directly into the mouth,

may freeze and damage the throat tissues.may freeze and damage the throat tissues.• Many of these products are flammable, there is a fire Many of these products are flammable, there is a fire

risk, especially when sniffing and smoking. risk, especially when sniffing and smoking.

• Large plastic bags to inhale solvents carries Large plastic bags to inhale solvents carries the risk of suffocation. the risk of suffocation.

• May choke on their own vomit. May choke on their own vomit. • Likely to compound the effects of street drugs Likely to compound the effects of street drugs

or alcohol, which may add to the dangers. or alcohol, which may add to the dangers. • Damage to the liver, kidneys, lungs, bone Damage to the liver, kidneys, lungs, bone

marrow or nervous system is known, but it is marrow or nervous system is known, but it is not common and is generally reversible.not common and is generally reversible.

Signs of “Sniffing”• Empty butane gas, aerosol or glue containers. • Teeth marks on nozzles, towels with white

marks on, bags containing glue, etc.• Physical symptoms such as;

drunken behaviour, chemical smell on clothing, dilated pupils, pale complexion, red watery eyes, persistent runny nose, cough in the back of the throat, rashes or spots around the nose and mouth (only occurs with certain products)

Emergency response• If they are high

keep them calm and still. There is a risk of sudden death if exertion follows sniffing – don’t chase or over excite them.

• If they are unconsciouscheck their airway, breathing and circulationplace them on their side in the recovery positioncall an ambulance and inform them what has been takenkeep them warm and still

GP Awareness• Survey of professionals revealed that GPs,

as a group, demonstrated less awareness of the problem than teachers and other professionals.

Treatment Programmes• Early intervention may be enough to prevent the

development of a long-term problem.• Where the habit is already active, treatment may

be provided by social and youth services, counselling agencies and family/group therapy

• Aim of treatment is to develop social and emotional skills to deal with personal problems.

• Develop reading/creative skills or use of recreational facilities.

• More specialised help for chronic users.

CombinationsCombinations

• Space surfing (nitrous oxide /amyl nitrite)Space surfing (nitrous oxide /amyl nitrite)• AlcoholAlcohol• BZP - PiperizineBZP - Piperizine• CannabisCannabis• GBL (floor stripper & drain cleaner)GBL (floor stripper & drain cleaner)

GHB can be in any formGHB can be in any form

GHBGHBMay be slightly salty or bitter May be slightly salty or bitter

to tasteto taste..

Dose Dose

– usual dose is around 1–3 g usual dose is around 1–3 g powder; powder; CConcentration is widely oncentration is widely variablevariable..

RouteRoute

– oral, less often IVoral, less often IV..

OnsetOnset

– 10–60 minutes10–60 minutes..

GHB Effects GHB Effects Small dose (1–3 g)Small dose (1–3 g)– Decreased inhibitionsDecreased inhibitions– Increased libidoIncreased libido– Euphoria similar to Euphoria similar to

ecstasyecstasy– Sedative effectsSedative effects– Memory loss (sedation)Memory loss (sedation)– Synergistic effect when Synergistic effect when

combined with alcohol combined with alcohol (significantly increases (significantly increases risk of overdose)risk of overdose)..

Larger Dose (4–5 g)Larger Dose (4–5 g)– Powerful sedative effectsPowerful sedative effects– Nausea and vomitingNausea and vomiting– Stiffening of musclesStiffening of muscles– DisorientationDisorientation– Profound sedationProfound sedation– ConvulsionsConvulsions– ComaComa– Respiratory collapseRespiratory collapse..