Glues, gases and aerosols

Glues, gases and aerosols are breathed in or sniffed from something acting as a container or holder.

There are several different ways to do this, 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.

Glues, gases 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 or aerosol has been used, but the common effects can include:

• Feeling like being drunk with dizziness, dreaminess, fits of the giggles, and difficulty thinking straight.

• In the case of some glues, gases and aerosols, you can develop a red rash around the mouth.

• Getting a hangover afterwards – such as a severe headache, feeling tired and/or feeling depressed.

The effects can vary from person to person and depend on what specific glue, gas or aerosol has been used, but the common effects can include:

• mood swings
• aggressive behaviour
• hallucinations
• vomiting and blackouts

How long the effects last and the drug stays in your system depends on how much you’ve taken, your size, whether you’ve eaten and what other drugs you may have also taken.

How long it lasts

How long the hit of glues gasses and aerosols lasts varies and some users tend to keep repeating the dose to keep the feeling going.

Gases, glues and aerosols produce a similar effect to alcohol, so mixing them together can have serious consequences. The effects are increased and can lead to unconsciousness and death.

Tolerance can build up within a few weeks in regular users, so you might need to use more to achieve the same effects. This reverts back to normal within a few days of stopping.

It may be possible to become psychologically dependent on volatile substances, meaning the users develop an increased desire to keep using despite any harms they experience, but the evidence on this is limited.

Withdrawal symptoms have been reported in regular users. When they stop their use they experience irritability and headaches.

Glues, gases and aerosols aren't illegal, but this doesn’t mean that they are safe to use. It’s illegal in England and Wales for anyone to sell glues, gases and aerosols to people under-18, if they think they’re likely to be inhaling them to get high.

Under Scottish law you can be prosecuted for recklessly selling substances to any age group if you suspect they're going to inhale them.

It is illegal to sell petrol to anyone under the age of 16 or to supply gas lighter refills to anyone under the age of 18. This applies to the whole of the UK.

How can I tell if a friend/child is using volatile substances?

The common signs of using volatile substances are mainly non-specific and could have other common causes. However, they can include:

• dizziness
• slurred speech
• loss of coordination
• talking as if hallucinating
• paranoia and anxiety
• a chemical smell
• changes in appetite
• persistently runny nose or eye irritations
• complaining of headaches
• rashes and pimples around the nose and mouth, though these occur only with the use of specific products and may just be due to normal teenage acne

In addition, there may be:

lots of used products (empty aerosol cans, tubes of glue, etc) teeth marks on nozzles white marks on towels

There can also be wider ranging changes in behaviour, such as:

• mixing with a new group of friends who hang out in secluded places,
• moods swings,
• attitude or behaviour get worse,
• altered sleep pattern and difficulty in getting out of bed,
• secretive or evasive behaviour, and
• problems in school, such as poor performance, absences, etc

These changes do not necessarily mean that someone is misusing volatile substances as a lot of the changes are also a normal part of adolescence.

Where can I get further information and resources on volatile substance misuse?

The following organisations provide information and resources on volatile substances and their misuse. Please note that FRANK is not responsible for the content of the following websites:

Re-Solv is a national charity dedicated to the prevention of solvent and volatile substance misuse (VSM). They have been operating for over twenty years and are recognised nationally and internationally as a specialist source of information on VSM. Visit the Re-Solv site here

SOLVE IT is a national charity, which provides education, training, and awareness about VSM for parents, professionals, the community, and not least, for children and young people. Visit the SOLVE IT site here

British Aerosol Manufacturers Association represents the aerosol industry, from suppliers of components and ingredients to fillers and marketers of aerosol products. They provide information about VSM and action that the industry is taking to help prevent VSM. Visit the British Aerosol Manufacturers Association site here

What can I do if my friend/child has a bad time after misusing volatile substances?

When someone has a bad time on drugs, you can have a short amount of time to do something to help them. If your friend/child is using glues, gases and aerosols, knowing what to do ahead of time could help them.

If your friend/child is unconscious:

• don’t panic
• immediately phone for an ambulance
• place them in the recovery position
• stay with them until the ambulance arrives, and tell the ambulance crew that they have misused a volatile substance, this can help make sure that your friend/child gets the right treatment straight away

If your friend/child is drowsy:

• don’t panic, stay calm and try to keep them calm
• give them as much fresh air as possible
• place them on their side so that they don't choke if they vomit
• don't chase, scare or over-excite them, and stay with them until the effects have worn off
• When someone is under the influence or has recently used, it is not usually the best time to discuss their problem. Being supportive at this stage will mean they’re more likely to talk to you about it later