Gases, Glues & Aerosols

There are lots of differnt types of glues, gases, and aerosols which, when inhaled, can be very dangerous. Many are normal things you can find around your house things like:

• butane gas lighter refills

• aerosols containing hairspray

• deodorants and air fresheners

• tins or tubes of glue

• some paints or thinners

• cleaning fluids

• surgical spirit

• petrol

All of these glues, gases, solvents, and aerosols if used to get ‘high’ are breathed in or inhaled from something acting as a container or holder.

They are just household items so it depends on what is being used as to how it looks (aerosol can, paints, thinners etc)

You can sometimes suspect someone is using them if you see physical signs suggestive of use might include a chemical smell, runny nose, watery eyes, irritation of the throat and rashes or spots around the nose and mouth.

You may also find evidence of use might include empty gas or aerosol containers (perhaps with teeth marks on the nozzle), or aerosols disappearing from around the home.

If you are concerned about anyone get some help the Re-Solv website is really helpful

How does it make you feel?

Glues, gases, solvents, and aerosols contain volatile substances which are depressants, which means they slow down your brain and body’s responses and produce a similar effect to being drunk.

The effects can vary from person to person and depend on what specific glue, gas, solvent or aerosol has been used, but the common effects include things like feeling drunk, dizziness, nausea, confusion, light-headed, dreamy, giggly, and difficulty thinking straight.

The way it affects your behaviour will depend on what specific glue, gas, solvent, or aerosol has been used, but the common effects can include:

• mood swings

• aggressive behaviour

• hallucinations

• vomiting and blackouts

Users often describe getting a hangover afterwards – such as a severe headache, feeling tired and/or feeling depressed.

As with all drug use the length of time the effects last depends on how much you take, your size, and if you have any other drugs in your system.

To keep feeling high users may repeatedly use the product for periods of time which make the short and long term health risks higher.

As stated on the Talk To Frank website, there are over 50 deaths a year involving glues, gases, solvents and aerosols. Of all the substances, butane is involved in the most deaths.

Affects are highly risky because use can cause confusion, slurred speech, mood swings, aggressive behaviour, hallucinations, vomiting, blackouts and breathing difficulties. They can also cause your heart to go out of rhythm, which if severe, can lead to a heart attack.

Squirting gas products down the throat is a particularly dangerous way of taking the drug. It can make your throat swell up so you can't breathe and it can slow down your heart and can cause a heart attack.

Similarly to what can happen when there is an alcohol overdose some users die from passing out and choking on their own vomit.

There are several different ways to misuse these substances, but whatever method is used, it is difficult to control the dose and all methods are potentially fatal.

The risk is greater if used in an enclosed space or if a plastic bag is used that covers both the nose and mouth. The risk is also increased when inhaling directly from a butane cigarette lighter refill.

You risk suffocation if you inhale from a plastic bag over your head.

Long-term solvent use can damage the muscles, liver and kidneys. While very long-term use, such as 10 years or more, can cause a lasting impairment of brain function (especially affecting how the brain controls body movement).

It can be hard to get the dose right. Just enough will give the desired ‘high’ – a little too much can result in a coma or even death.

In the case of some solvents, you can develop a red rash around the mouth.

Use can also cause unsteadiness, disorientation/confusion and fainting which can all increase the risk of accidents which are also causes of deaths.

Many products are flammable and there is a risk of burns and explosions, especially if someone is smoking nearby or if in an enclosed space.

Information taken from talktofrank.com

If you are concerned that you or someone you know may have a problem with use of glues, gasses or aerosols, it's essential to take proactive steps to address the issue and seek help. Here are some recommended actions:

Talk to someone you trust: Reach out to a close friend, family member, or a supportive person you can confide in about your concerns. Sharing your worries with someone can be the first step towards seeking help.

Call Response on 0151 666 4123

Establish a support network:

Surround yourself with individuals who support your efforts to address the problem. Having a strong support network can be crucial in overcoming challenges.

Educate yourself:

Learn more about the effects, and the potential consequences of its misuse. Understanding the risks associated with glues, gasses and aerosols can reinforce your commitment to seeking help.

Focus on self-care:

Engage in activities that promote overall well-being, such as exercise, hobbies, and healthy social interactions. Taking care of your physical and mental health can contribute to your recovery.