Controlling the sniffing of solvents is almost impossible as they are widely available. The average home has up to 50 products that can be inhaled for the purposes of getting 'high'.

Solvents are organic, carbon-based compounds that are commonly used for domestic and industrial purposes. Glue, paints, nail varnish removers, dry cleaning fluids and lighter fuel are just some of the solvent products that have an effect on the central nervous system when inhaled.

These products evaporate at room temperature and release vapors that can be inhaled. These fumes then spread rapidly through the body and brain via the lungs where they cause the kind of euphoria associated with drinking alcohol. Inhalation can also cause slight anesthesia.

The effects that inhaled solvents have on the central nervous system cause other symptoms as well like disorientation, dizziness, loss of co-ordination, a sense of unreality and visual distortions much like hallucinations. Large or repeated doses can cause cerebral confusion, loss of control and consciousness.

The feeling of euphoria caused by solvent sniffing is short-lived. Within 15 to 30 minutes the only thing left is a hangover with drowsiness, inability to concentrate and the possibility of a nasty headache.

Often the only thing to relieve the often day long hangover is to indulge in more solvent sniffing thereby increasing the risk of falling unconscious. Repeated use may lead to vomiting which can be fatal when it happens while the person is unconscious.

Long term solvent sniffing can cause complications and damage in the central nervous system and brain as well as kidney and liver damage.

 

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