Volatile Solvent Abuse (VSA) – Depressant

Often takes the form of glue or gas. When inhaled, solvent-based glues, lighter fluid, cleaning agents and aerosols can give you a ‘high’, although your body is made to feel more relaxed.

Solvents can be sniffed in a number of different ways. The ‘sudden sniffing death syndrome’ is peculiar to VSA, but there is no safe way to use them.

At first you may feel a bit like being drunk, for it depresses the nervous system, makes you light headed and giddy, with possible hallucinations, vomiting and headaches.

Long term effects: users can choke or suffocate, lose their short-term memory and concentration, suffer brain, kidney and liver damage, which is never pleasant.

Solvent misuse isn't illegal, however, under Scottish Law you can be prosecuted for selling substances to any age group if you suspect or know they are going to be inhaled.

More Information

Know the Score- Find out more about solvent misuse from Know the Score

Talk to Frank- Get the facts from Frank.