Your Life

Gases, Glues & Aerosols

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.


Facts:

  • They are sniffed or breathed into the lungs.
  • It is illegal for shopkeepers to sell to under-18s, or to people acting for them, if they suspect the product is intended for abuse.

Effects:

  • Users feel thick-headed, dizzy, giggly and dreamy.
  • They may also hallucinate (see or hear things which aren't real).
  • The effects disappear after 15 to 45 minutes.
  • Afterwards, users feel drowsy and may suffer a headache.

Risks:

  • Use of gases, glues 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.

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NORCAS

NORCAS Youth Team is a county-wide service available to young people 19 years and under who may want support and information about drugs, alcohol and related issues.

Find out more about NORCAS

Visit the NORCAS website



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