Ross Bell
Drug Foundation

"This is something that retailers can choose to adopt so that they can play their role."

EFFECTS FROM USE

Volatile substances are a depressant. This means that they slow down brain functions and the activity of the central nervous system, affecting physical, mental, and emotional responses. The effects on the user are felt immediately. They usually subside after one hour, with the initial high subsiding after only seconds or minutes. Effects of inhalant use vary between persons and environments and it is therefore difficult to predict the effects the inhalants will have on any one person. Short-term effects include:

• loss of inhibitions
• drowsiness
• flu like symptoms
• reckless behaviour
• blurred vision
• unpleasant breath
• nosebleeds and sores around the mouth and nose
• initial feelings of wellbeing and relaxation

Short-term effects are similar to alcohol effects.