VOLATILE SUBSTANCE ABUSE The legal and lethal abuse

Why is VSA of concern? • Re-Solv founded in 1984 by British Adhesives and Sealants Association (BASA) • Between 2001 -2016 there were 834 VSA deaths (GB) • 2016 there were 64 VSA deaths (GB) • Abuse can and does kill – even 1 st time • Sudden Sniffing Death is unique to VSA- death from cardiac arrhythmia, anoxia, explosions, accidents etc • Associated with young people. Youngest deaths aged 7 • However the average of death is now 30 • Control of these products is extremely difficult, if not impossible, especially during lock down. • Professionals feel that they lack the knowledge and confidence to support service users effectively

Kerrie Louise Oxley, Aged 33

Products of Abuse Today Volatile solvents: • Petrol • Industrial glue • Nail polish remover • Paint stripper • Dry cleaning fluids • Some correctional fluid Aerosols: • Hair spray • Deodorants • Spray paint • Pain relief spray • Air freshener Gases • Fuel gas • Lighter gas • Nitrous Oxide (whipped cream canisters) Nitrites: known as • Video head cleaners • Room odourisers

What Makes VSA Appealing? • Hidden form of drug misuse: limited paraphernalia • Same feeling as alcohol, but it is much quicker to hit, quick to wear off • Can still function and perform necessary tasks • Purchased under the radar • Can be hidden in plain sight around the home • No dealers, limited vulnerability and exposure • Won’t raise suspicion if it is seen in a handbag • No detection if being drug tested by social services, drug services etc • Can be accessed anywhere • No calories

The Scale of the Issue Total of 189, 608 solvent users in England. • 57, 000 adults users per year. 17, 000 chronic users (used in last month) • Number 1 drug of choice amongst 11 -13 year olds (3. 2% inhaled compared to 1. 9% smoked cannabis) NDTMS report (2019) collated by the NDTMS (1 st April 2018 -31 st March 2019) Total: 314 • 85 adults in treatment for VSA as the Primary Substance • 229 adults listed solvents as an adjunctive (120 alcohol, 109 opiates). • 119 young people in treatment • 261 young people in treatment for VSA as an adjunctive Total: 380 73% of VSA deaths involved volatile substances alone (ONS 2018) Annual cost of VSA to society is £ 346 m (BWB)

What Challenges Do We Face with VSA? • VSA is rarely identified at assessment. 63% of professionals stated they did not assess for VSA. As a result, abuse continues under the radar of services. “I didn’t ever tell anyone cos no-one ever asked me” (Doncaster). “I feel like gas is an invisible drug that no-one talks about” (Telford) • No clinical intervention - it is not a physical addiction • Stigma prevents disclosure and engagement. VSA is often not viewed as a ‘proper drug’ “The biggest thing that I found difficult is the stigma with other addicts. I'd turn up to the treatment centre, and I wouldn’t tell heroin users what I was doing, because they would say “What…. . you do that? ” (Telford). • Absolute Harm Reduction is not an option – no safe routes of administration or quantity. Abstinence is key.

Evidence of use • • Frequent purchasing Empty cans or multiple cans Lids from cans Aerosols with nozzle removed Cans in unexpected places Filter marks on towels or fabric Products going missing or running out quickly Chemical smell on the breath or in the environment • Changes in sleeping and eating patterns • Withdrawn and isolated • Lethargic • Wheezy cough • Spots/sores or red puffy eyes • Grey look • Headaches/sickness • Drunken behaviour • Mood swings/irritability

What Re-Solv Can Offer Training and awareness: • Face-to-face training (social distancing permitting) • Recorded webinar • Interactive live webinar • Self-guided online training Support for Professionals: • Telephone support and consultation • Multidisciplinary keyworker support Support for users: • Telephone support sessions • Face-to-face support and advocacy (social distancing permitting) • Text and live chat support outside of meetings By providing the above we hope to increase the number of VS-users receiving support and on their pathway to recovery

How To Contact Re-Solvent abuse can kill instantly, leaving an indelible mark on families. It can also steal lives slowly over time as use becomes habitual. www. re-solv. org/recovery/westmids Contact Nicola directly: nicola. jones@re-solv. org Head office: 01785 817885 Support mobile: 07496 959930 Twitter: @resolv. UK