Expert Q&A with Re-Solv: Find out about Solvents, how Solvents relate to other drugs and more!

Hey everyone

We have another Expert Q&A coming up on the 30th June, this time Dan will be returning to discuss about Solvents, how they relate to other drugs, and drug use as a whole!

If you're curious about Solvents themselves or want to ask questions about drug use as a whole, Dan can answer any questions you might have!

Who are the Experts?
Dan is our expert, he works at Re-Solv.

About Re-Solv
Founded in 1984, Re-Solv works to reduce the harms caused by volatile substance abuse (‘VSA’ or ‘solvent abuse’) and the misuse of other legal substances across the UK.

We achieve this by:
Keeping this ever-present and changing form of legal substance misuse in the forefront of policy and public awareness

Continuing to drive prevention through education and training

Providing support for the individuals, families and communities affected.

When?
The Expert Q&A will be taking place on Thursday 30th June.

How will this work?
If you have a question for Dan, you can either write it out in this thread or PM the Mix! If you want to ask a question anonymously, feel free to use this form here. Dan will then answer them on the 30th

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Comments

Former Member

I have added the anonymous question form for anyone who wants to ask a question anonymously!

Former Member

"What advice would you give to someone who is feeling pressured to try drugs by friends? How can someone say no if they are not comfortable?"

Former Member

"What is a safe way to experiment with solvents?"

Former Member

"How can someone get support for addiction?"

Former Member

"who uses solvents?"

Former Member

"When it comes to solvent use, how common is it compared to other drugs?"

Former Member

"How are people exposed to Solvents?"

Former Member

Connor wrote: »

"What advice would you give to someone who is feeling pressured to try drugs by friends? How can someone say no if they are not comfortable?"

I think biding your time can be effective. Giving yourself a few precious seconds or minutes in order to process what is being asked of you or what is unfolding in front of you in order to make the right decision for you. Try to think beyond the initial action and look forward to what potential consequences there maybe.

Being repetitive is also effective! No multiple times can get the message over loud and clear! you'll find people applying the pressure will get bored and move on as they're not getting the reaction they're looking for.

Sometimes a "Phone call" or "Text" is a good way to remove yourself form the situation. A little white lie. i.e. "I need to get back home as the dog needs letting out" or something similar...

Ultimately true friends wouldn't want you to push yourself into doing something you are NOT comfortable with.

Former Member

Connor wrote: »

"What is a safe way to experiment with solvents?"

I'm afraid there isn't one!
Solvents are chemicals and are very volatile. The instant risk to life is extremely high. The only way to remove that is to not use them.

Former Member

Connor wrote: »

"How can someone get support for addiction?"

Re-Solv is the national expert on Solvent based support and educatin

Connor wrote: »

"who uses solvents?"

Solvent use tends to be quite hidden. It isn't largely considered a recreational drug that you would find large groups of people using together in a social setting. Solvent use can impact anyone and we have worked with people from all sections of society and all ages!

Like drug use in general it doesn't discriminate!

Former Member

Connor wrote: »

"When it comes to solvent use, how common is it compared to other drugs?"

In comparison the numbers of people that use Solvents compared to other substances are typically lower. However, risk to life is extremely high and disproportionately so compared to many other substances. Couple that with how easy it is for people to buy and access solvents it is something that we continually strive to address and educate on. Ultimately it is hard to quantify as mentioned in another post, the use of solvents are often hidden and due to stigma and lack of awareness it is a struggle for people to come forward to access support so it is likely the national figures are not wholly accurate.

Former Member

Connor wrote: »

"How are people exposed to Solvents?"

This can happen in a variety of ways:

1.Introduction by a friend or a peer
2. Witnessing videos typically on social media or shared content from others
3. Experimentation with products or using them inappropriately
4. Family or sibling use within the home

We have to remember that when used properly and in accordance with the directions solvent based products are safe to use. They become dangerous when they are misused and the safety information present on the packaging is ignored.

Sometimes these products require safety equipment or training to use correctly. These would then be age restricted or you would require a licence to purchase. These types of products should be stored and locked in a secure location.

Always replace the lids and caps back onto the product. These are often fitted with a tamper proof seal stopping young children from accessing the contents.

Former Member

Connor wrote: »

"How can someone get support for addiction?"

We can absolutely offer support at Re-Solv as we are the national experts. However due to our location this isn't always feasible on a 1:1 in person basis. We are a fairly small organisation and specialise in education, research and training but we can offer short term specialist advise. We also offer phone support or our online Live Chat facility is open Mon-Fri during daytime hours. I believe that it is also essential to get local support in your area that can offer that 1:1 direct support in conjunction with other relevant services. We often find that solvent use is a reaction to something else underlying. Emotional wellbeing, mental health, self medicating, housing, finances etc. This is why it is important to access as much support as we can.
Using google and sites like FRANK you can see who is your nearest support service. The quickest way is to phone but you can also contact them through email or sometimes via an online live chat. Try not to be nervous they have spoken to so many people in a similar situation they are there to help!

Recovering from solvent use is absolutely possible and taking that first step is key!

Former Member

https://www.re-solv.org/

Using our website you can access a lot of free information and guidance regarding solvents.