Gases, Glie and Aerosols
Name It
These are found in
- Lighter gas refills and fuel canisters
- Aerosols containing products such as hairspray, deodorants and air fresheners.
- Tins or tubes of glue
- Some paints, thinners and correcting fluids
Know It
- They are sniffed or breathed into the lungs.
- It is illegal for shopkeepers to sell them to under 18s or to people acting for them, if they suspect the product is intended for abuse.
The Effects
- Users feel thickheaded, dizzy giggly and dreamy.
- They may also hallucinate (see or hear things)
- The effects disappear after 15-45 minutes
- Afterwards, users feel drowsy and may suffer a headache.
The Risks
- Use of gases or aerosols can cause instant death- even on the first go
- Squirting the stuff down the throat may cause the body to produce fluid that floods the lungs. This can be fatal.
- Abusing gases, glues or aerosols can lead to nausea, vomiting, black outs and fatal heart problems.
- Accidents can happen when the user is high because their senses are affected.
- There is a risk of suffocation if the substance is inhaled from a plastic bag over the head.
- Long-term abuse can damage the brain, liver and kidneys.