Volatile Substances

Desired Effects:

• Intoxication
• Disinhibition
• Reduced anxiety
• The effects can vary widely depending on the dose and what type of solvent or gas is inhaled. Inhaling larger quantity of solvents or gases may experience stronger effects such as distortion in perceptions of time and space, hallucinations, and emotional disturbances.

Side Effects:

• Confusion
• Drowsiness
• Loss of coordination
• Slurred speech
• Nausea, vomiting
• Visual disturbance.
• Nose bleeds
• Fatigue
• Sores around the nose and mouth.
• Headache
• Sinusitis

• Volatile substances like gas and solvents can kill you the first or one hundredth time you use them. There is no safe dose.
• Do not spray aerosols directly into your mouth; this is highly dangerous and may freeze your throat or cause your throat to swell up; this can cause breathing to become irregular or stop and can put a strain on your heart.
• Do not inhale by putting plastic bags over your head as this can cause suffocation. Inhaling through a cloth is less risky.
• Do not mix with other drugs - particularly alcohol as this can lead to unconsciousness and death.
• If you choose to use solvents use in a safe environment i.e. not by a railway, motorway or industrial areas etc.
• Use when other people are present and have a person you trust with you in case things go wrong.
• Many of these products are highly flammable and if used at the same time as smoking, or using a naked flame, can harm you or others around you, cause fires or may even explode.
• Do not drive while under the influence as they can affect coordination and the ability to judge speed and distance.
• Do not use inhalants when in a negative state of mind; or to cloud negative feelings because they could make those negative feelings worse. Also you are more likely to become aggressive and engage in risky behaviours that may harm yourself and/or others.
• Don’t argue with, chase, or excite someone who is high on gases/solvents. Raising their adrenaline levels may increase their risk of death.
• If someone is suffering bad effects like vomiting, convulsions, unconsciousness - put them in the recovery position and call for medical assistance immediately.

Long term risks:

Short term risks:

• Memory impairment
• Difficulties breathing
• Chest pain
• Paranoia
• Anxiety
• Death from choking, suffocation, asphyxiation, or a form of heart failure known as ‘sudden sniffing death syndrome’ (SSDS). Over half of all deaths associated with solvent abuse are due to butane.
• Butane is also highly flammable so there is a high risk of burns or explosions, particularly for smokers. Propane carries the same risks as butane.

Parents & other relatives

Many drug agencies also provide lots of advice and support to parents, family members and partners of people using drugs. They may provide relative support groups or advice, guidance and counselling on a one to one basis.