Solvents are gases, glues or aerosols that are inhaled. They vary from normal household products to petrol and laughing gas. They slow down the body’s responses (depressant).
- Fits of giggles (laughing gas)
- Can experience vomiting and blackouts
- Mood swings
- Aggressive behaviour and hallucinations
- Potential breathing problems with chronic use
- Memory impairment
- Solvents and glue often perceived as a ‘losers habit’ in many circles
They vary greatly in appearance, most are normal household products that come in canister or bottles with a ‘volatile substance’ sign printed on it. They include the following; aerosols, hairspray, air fresheners, tins or tubes of glue, cleaning fluids, gas lighter refills, nail polish remover, surgical spirit, dry-cleaning fluid and thinners and correcting fluids. They can also include laughing gas which can be sold within balloons.
Inhaled: they are taken into the lungs, either via putting liquid on a cloth and inhaling the fumes, spraying the gas or aerosol product directly down the throat or via crisp or plastic bags for glue or balloons (as is most common for laughing gas).