National Drugs Helpline 0800 77 66 00

Solvents

These include various gases, glues, petrol and aerosols that can be used to produce an intoxicating effect. They are not illegal in themselves, as they have legitimate uses, but there are restrictions on their sale to people aged under 18.

What do they look like?

Solvents come in various forms - tubes of glue, gas lighter refills, aerosol cans.

How are they taken?

By sniffing/inhaling, or with gas refills and aerosols, by squirting them down the throat.

What effects do they have?

When taken:

Most of these substances have an immediate and last for a few minutes to an hour. The effect is like being drunk and the user may feel happy, uninhibited, dizzy or drowsy. Some substances can cause hallucinations.

Many of these substances can kill - for example lighter gas can cause instant death if it fills the lungs. Other substances can kill by affecting the heart or causing choking.

Afterwards:

A mild 'hangover' which can last for about a day, tiredness and lack of concentration.

Long term:

Addiction which is very hard to break. Toluene from glue can damage the eye, the inner ear, muscles, peripheral nerves, liver, kidneys, lungs, bone marrow and the reproductive system.

Exposure to petrol can cause leukaemia.