'How can I stop using solvents when I get stressed?'

our online advisors reply:

I am glad you felt able to contact us, Cal. It can be really hard to ask for help for the first time, so well done. It sounds like you can manage to stay off solvents for a while, which is great, but it also sounds like you rely on gas to help you cope with stress. Solvents are usually described as causing psychological dependence, which means that somebody can't feel comfortable or relaxed anymore without the drug. Everybody is individual and so the length of time these cravings last for, after a person stops using solvents, is different for everybody.

So, it is the feeling of needing solvents that you have to address. The best way of going about this is to gain support either from family, friends or an organisation. Talking through times of cravings and discussing your feelings as to why you feel you need solvent is a good way to get through this. Do you have any close family or friends you could talk to and trust with your true feelings? Is there something else you could do to release your stress?

Perhaps you'd like to have a chat with someone who doesn't know you. Sometimes this is easier than confiding in a friend. You could contact the Frank helpline where you can talk to an advisor any time, day or night on 0800 77 66 00. Frank will be able to tell you if there is a help organisation near where you live. If you want to check out the Talk to Frank website, go to www.talktofrank.com. You could also contact ChildLine, another free, and confidential, helpline for young people. The number is 0800 1111 and, again, there are people there to talk to 24 hours a day.

You're right that inhaling solvents can cause death in some cases, but there are other more common health problems too. You might find it useful to read in our 'abc of drugs' about the effects and dangers of Solvents, glues and gases

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