Young people abusing solvents use ordinary household products like cigarette lighter refills, aerosols, glue, petrol and other products to get high.

Statistics show that three times more young people die from solvent abuse than illegal drugs. Nearly 300 people have died from abusing solvents in the last four years - thats up to six children a month!.

In a high proportion of cases, the young person has died from his or her first attempt at solvent abuse. So it is very dangerous to even experiment.

The Law

It is an offence to sell Intoxicating Substances, if the shopkeeper suspects you are using them to inhale. It is an offence to supply gas lighter refills to anyone under 18 years of age.

Signs that someone might be abusing solvents include:

• A chemical smell on their breath or clothing
• Empty containers left where they have spent time on their own or with friends
• Acting like they are drunk for a short period of time

If you know of someone showing the above signs, then help them by telling an adult you trust.

• View the effects that solvent abuse has on your body

It may be possible that young people who are repeatedly abusing solvents may have problems they are trying to avoid which need to be solved.

There is a National Freephone Helpline number for people who would like help to stop abusing solvents or adults who are worried about their children. The number is 0808 800 2345.

Further advice is available from Re-Solv, a national charity dedicated to the prevention of solvent and volatile substance abuse. Visit their website at www.re-solv.org