1. S2 DRUG EDUCATION
VOLATILE SUBSTANCES

2. 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.

3. WHAT IS ‘SNIFFING’?
‘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’.

4. SOME EXAMPLES OF VOLATILE SUBSTANCES:
AEROSOLS – DEODERANTS, HAIR SPRAY
GLUES
NAIL-VARNISH REMOVERS
CIGARETTE LIGHTER-REFILLS

5. WHAT’S IN DANGER?
Your mind
Your body
Your life
All these are at risk

6. 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

7. YOUR MIND
Sometimes paranoia, fear, anxiety, lack of control, concentration, violence and aggression and auditory and visual hallucinations can occur.

8. YOUR LIFE 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

9. 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”.

10. TASKS:
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?

11. TASKS
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’?