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Approaching solvent abuse
Solvent abuse is a difficult and hidden issue, often overshadowed by the abuse of illegal drugs and other issues such as underage smoking. However, when we take into account the availability of solvent based products and the reported numbers of deaths form this activity, solvent and volatile substance abuse is an issue schools cannot afford to ignore.
In 1998, the last year for which there are official figures, there were 70 deaths resulting from the deliberate inhalation of volatile chemicals. This included the death of a nine year-old.
The aim behind this publication is to promote teachers' and pupils' understanding of VSA and the complex issues that surround it.
Teachers, parents and carers are at the forefront in giving young people the skills and information to make healthy and responsible decisions.
The National Curriculum
In England and Wales, certain aspects of drug education are a statutory requirement as part of the National Curriculum science Order. This states that pupils should be taught:
The requirements of the National Curriculum represent the statutory minimum for schools. It is for individual schools to consider whether and if so how, they might wish to extend provision for drug education beyond this. Teachers should be aware that solvent experimentation most commonly occurs at an earlier age that experimentation with illegal drugs. Therefore, the age at which pupils are taught about solvents should reflect this.
School policy
There is no statutory requirement for schools to have a specific written policy on drug-related incidents. However, it is generally acknowledged that a clear comprehensive and coherent statement of policy can play a vital role in raising awareness and understanding, thereby resulting in more effective interventions in relation to drug-related incidents and issues.
Schools should also consider their policies in relation to VSA. Possession of a volatile substance is not an offence, although supply, under some circumstances is. Therefore, specific references to VSA should be included within school policy documents.
Educating young people about solvent abuse
Prevention is key, which means that any education about solvent abuse needs to start before exposure or experimentation is likely.
Recognizing VSA
The immediate effects of solvent abuse happen very rapidly and it is therefore unlikely that parents, carers or teaching staff will see the young person whilst they are under the effects. Symptoms are similar to those experienced through alcoholic intoxication and may include happiness, excitement, nausea, headaches or dizziness, although this might also be evidence of the abuse of other substances such as alcohol or even the use of prescribed medicine.
However, there are other factors that may be indicative of solvent abuse. These include:
This is by no means a definitive list and individual cases should be assessed and approached with caution to obtain the facts.
Understanding why
There is a common misconception that those who become involved in volatile substance abuse are deviant young people who use volatile chemicals for the sole purpose of 'getting high'. This generalization make no allowance for the complex reasons behind the actions of many young people, for whom the sensation of 'being high' is neither pleasurable or acceptable, rather a means to an end.
As adults we must loose our preconceptions. The one thing that must be absolutely clear is that there is no one stereotypical child who sniffs volatile substances.
Therefore, when approaching VSA, one must take into account the very individual reasons for which young people become involved. This is by no means a definitive list, but motivations may include:
