Transcript Volatile Substance Abuse

S2 DRUG EDUCATION
VOLATILE
SUBSTANCES
WHAT DO WE MEAN WHEN WE
TALK ABOUT VOLATILE
SUBSTANCES?

VOLATILE SUBSTANCES IS THE NAME
GIVEN TO A GROUP OF PRODUCTS,
OFTEN HOUSEHOLD ITEMS, THAT
CONTAIN CHEMICALS WHICH, IF
DELIBERATELY INHALED CAN CAUSE
INTOXICATION.
WHAT IS ‘SNIFFING’?

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‘Sniffing’ is when everyday household
products are breathed in on purpose to get
‘high’. These products include: aerosols,
glues, gases, petrol.
When these products are used for their
correct use they are perfectly safe but
when ‘sniffed’ can be deadly. There is no
such thing as ‘safe sniffing’.
SOME EXAMPLES OF VOLATILE
SUBSTANCES:

AEROSOLS – DEODERANTS, HAIR
SPRAY

GLUES
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NAIL-VARNISH REMOVERS
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CIGARETTE LIGHTER-REFILLS
WHAT’S IN DANGER?

Your mind

Your body

Your life

All these are at risk
EFFECTS OF VOLATILE
SUBSTANCES – YOUR BODY
Effects are often experienced
within a matter of minutes. Effects
can include:
Dizzy
Smelly breath
High
Light headed Drowsy Sick
Blackout Clumsy Acting drunk
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YOUR MIND
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Sometimes paranoia, fear, anxiety,
lack of control, concentration,
violence and aggression and auditory
and visual hallucinations can occur.
YOUR LIFE

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Solvents can kill instantly at anytime
INSTANT DEATH - some people
experience a fatal toxic reaction to the
chemicals they take and die
Trauma accidents
Heart failure
Suffocation/asphyxiation
Nausea and unconsciousness
HEALTH IMPLICATIONS

According to the Drug Education
Forum “At an average of one death
every four weeks, volatile substance
abuse (VSA) is responsible for more
deaths amongst young people than
illegal drugs”.
TASKS:
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Make a list of the volatile substances
in your home that could be
dangerous.
Why do you think people abuse
volatile substances given they are so
dangerous?
TASKS

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You can read warning signs about
volatile substances on bottles and
cans. Make a list of any warning
signs that you have seen.
Make a list of what you would do if
you knew someone who was ‘sniffing’?