Solvents and self-harm
Question
I've been regularly sniffing solvents for about two years now. Although I haven't noticed any long-term effects I do feel really depressed when I don't take it. I would like to stop but I don't know how; last time I tried I started cutting myself because I felt so bad. How do I stop all this?
Answer
Although people don't necessarily develop a physical dependence from sniffing solvents, some people can become psychologically dependent on them, particularly if they are feeling unhappy. This is because of the temporary feelings of being 'high' and elated that sniffing solvents create. This suggests why sniffing makes you feel better, so it is understandable you find it hard to stop. Painful feelings are difficult to deal with and sometimes it can seem easier just to block them out rather than to face them.
Solvent abuse does have a physical impact on people. Although you haven't noticed any long-term effects, it is important to be aware that solvent abuse can cause long-term liver, kidney and brain damage. If you would like to talk to someone for confidential support and information about anything to do with drugs you can call Talk to Frank on 0800 77 66 00 or email them on frank@talktofrank.com.
It sounds like things have been difficult over the last few years or so. Feeling depressed and cutting yourself must be quite a scary experience. It sounds like you are feeling very unhappy at the moment. But please be reassured, you do not have to go through this alone.
There are often underlying psychological issues, such as depression, or anxiety, which can trigger some people to become dependent on, or misuse, drugs. The same factors can cause people to feel the urge to self-harm, like cutting themselves.
As you probably know from your own experience, self-harm is also a way for people to cope with and get through difficult emotions or situations.
These feelings are quite often the reason why people self-harm, as a means of communicating what they cannot put into words or even into thoughts. It may also be a way of releasing painful emotions such as rage, sadness, emptiness, guilt or fear. Since it's generally a private coping mechanism rather than attention seeking, some people feel ashamed and unable to admit to anyone what they are doing.
If you feel it might help to talk through your worries about the way you have cut yourself, The Bristol Crisis Centre for Women have a national self harm helpline you can call on 0117 925 1119. The National Self Harm Network (NSHN) also provides some useful and practical advice on their website.
If you have been feeling unhappy for some time, it might be worth speaking to your doctor (GP). Although your situation may feel difficult now, given time and the right support, a temporary, treatable issue may well be uncovered. For example, feelings of despair, sadness or low self esteem could be indicators of an underlying condition such as anxiety or depression. Such symptoms could be relieved through medication or a form of talking therapy. Your GP will be able to advise you of the options available and help you seek the right form of treatment or support. They should also be able to refer you onto an appropriate counselling service but you can also search the Youth Access database for free services near to you.
If you haven't spoken to anybody about how depressed you're feeling you might find talking with trusted friends and family can help. This can also give friends and family a better insight into the situation, helping them to offer more effective support and understanding. But, this can seem hard and if you feel uncomfortable talking to your parents or friends, you might like to consider talking in confidence and without judgement to a volunteer at SANELINE. You can call the helpline on 0845 767 8000 for confidential advice and support.
Good answer? Bad info? Want to tell us what you think? We'd really like to hear what you've got to say about this answer so please click here to take the survey. Your feedback is confidential and as anonymous as you like.
Question answered by SANE
Print this page Email this page to a friend Add to favourites
