 Anti
Social Behaviour, distraction burglay, street crime
domestic
violence, domestic burglary, drug and alcohol abuse
Young People and Drugs - Part 6
Drugs Identification - continued Solvents
In an average home there are over 30 sniffable products include
aerosol sprays, glues, petrol and dry cleaning products.
How is it used?
It is sniffed into the body through the nose or mouth.
What are the drawbacks?
Sniffing these substances can be lethal or cause long-term damage.
Sniffing Solvents can have an effect on the heart, so if exertion
or fright follows, death can result.
Getting intoxicated through solvent abuse is always potentially
dangerous as people become more reckless than usual and less able
to deal with danger.
Signs and symptoms of solvent abuse
Empty butane aerosol or glue cans or plastic bags.
Chemical smell on clothes or breath.
"
Drunken" behaviour.
Wide swings in mood or behaviour.
Spots around the nose or mouth.
Loss of appetite.
Persistent headaches, sore throats or runny nose.
Is solvent abuse against the law?
The Intoxicating Substance Act 1985 makes it an offence to supply
a young person under 18, or who the supplier believes to be under
18, any substance to achieve intoxication.
Steroids
Anabolic steroids are drugs which mimic the effect of the natural
male hormone testosterone.
They are taken orally or injected into the muscle.
How is it used?
People use anabolic steroids to increase muscle mass, to train
harder and to reduce the recovery time needed after training.
It is believed the benefit from steroids is psychological and so
make people feel they are stronger than they actually are.
What are the drawbacks?
There are a number of side effects associated with using anabolic
steroids. These include acne, disorders of the liver and kidneys,
mood swings and aggression and a stunting of growth in young people.
There is also an increased chance of heart attacks and strokes.
In men it can cause the growth of breasts, shrinking of the testicles
and infertility.
In women it can cause the growth of body hair and deepening of
the voice.
Are steroids against the law?
Anabolic Steroids are prescription only medicines. It is not illegal
to possess them but it is illegal to supply them. There is a large
illicit market in anabolic steroids. Anabolic steroid users often
do not regard themselves as substance abusers. However there are
many thousands of such users who encounter problems with this form
of abuse.
Useful National Contacts
Drugscope
www.drugscope.org.uk
Free confidential drugs information and advice
www.talktofrank.com
Alcohol Concern
www.alcoholconcern.org.uk
National charity working with families affected by drugs and alcohol,
a leading agency in substance related family work
www.adfam.org.uk
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