•  (Solvents, Inhalants)

About volatile substances

Effects

Tolerance and dependence

Reducing the risk

Mixing drugs

Further information

 Volatile Substances

 

 There are four categories of volatile substances

 

• Volatile Solvents
• • liquid or semi-solid solvent that vaporises at room temperature
  • depress central nervous system
  • glues, paint, petrol etc

 

 

• Aerosols
• • contain volatile solvents and propellant gas
  • depress central nervous system
  • • spray paints, deodorant, hair spray etc

 

 

• Gases
• • depress central nervous system
  • • butane, propane
    • anaesthetic gases- nitrous oxide

 

 

• Nitrites
• • vasodilators and muscle relaxants
  • • amyl, butyl

  

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 Effects 

The effects of volatile substances vary depending on which substance is inhaled. However, all volatile substances are rapidly absorbed and all act to depress the central nervous system.

Short-term effects

Initial effects:

• excited, dizzy, exhilarated,
• visual and auditory hallucinations
• feelings of self confidence
• nausea
• bad breath

Early central nervous system depression:

• dullness, disorientation
• loss of self control
• blurred vision

Medium central nervous system depression:

• drowsiness
• lack of muscle coordination
• slurring

Late central nervous system depression:

• unconsciousness
• delirium (fever, hallucinations, restlessness, confusion)
• epileptic type seizures (fits)

Users are at high risk of accidental injury or death when they are intoxicated because they are more likely to engage in risky or dangerous behaviour. Death from heart failure can occur, especially if the user is startled, stressed, or participates in exercise after inhaling.

Long-term effects

Volatile substances are toxic and may cause brain damage and serious physical health problems. Chronic use may lead to:

• short-term memory loss, mental confusion, depression, irritability, hostility, thinking and learning problems, extreme tiredness
• trembling, loss of control of fine movements, slowed reaction time, dizziness
• social isolation - being withdrawn, solitary
• damage to the heart, lungs, liver and kidneys
• chronic headaches, sinusitis, nosebleeds
• red, watery eyes, cough, runny nose, spots around the mouth and nose
• indigestion and stomach ulcers

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 Tolerance and Dependence

People who regularly inhale volatile substances may quickly develop tolerance and become dependent.

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 Reducing the Risk

• There is no safe way to inhale volatile substances and the risk of death is just as high for first-time users as for long-term users.

• If you have contact with someone who is intoxicated with volatile substances it is very important not to startle or chase them.

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 Mixing Drugs

Taking a variety of drugs together is always dangerous and increases the risk of overdose. In particular, if volatile substances are used together with other depressant drugs such as alcohol or tranquillisers the risk of death by overdose is greatly increased.

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 Further Information

Alcohol & Drug & Information Service

(24-hour information and counselling)

Tel: 1300 13 1340

(South Australian callers - local call fee)

The goal of the South Australian Drug Strategy is to improve the health and well-being of all South Australians by preventing the use of illicit drugs and the misuse of licit drugs.

The information in this publication is a guide only. Readers are encouraged to seek appropriate professional advice before relying upon any of the material contained in it. While care has been taken to ensure the material contained in this publication is up-to-date at the time of printing, the Southern Adelaide Health Service Incorporated accepts no responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of the material in the publication and expressly disclaims all liability for any loss or damage arising from reliance upon any information contained within it.