HEALTH BOARDS REPORT DECLINE IN THE LEVEL OF SOLVENT ABUSE BY
YOUNGSTERS by Fionnan Sheahan

HEALTH boards around the country report a definite decline in the level of
solvent abuse by young people.

While keeping an eye on the solvents problem, the boards feel youngsters
have become more sophisticated with the drugs they use to get their kicks.

The easy availability of ecstasy, heroin and alcohol has seen them become
the preferred substances of the young abuser.

“There is a lot of recreational drug use cannabis, ecstasy, amphetamines
that certainly is on the increase. But the vast majority of youngsters do
not do drugs,” said Eastern Health Board Drugs Education Officer, Stephen
Harding.

“Normally your solvents abuser is a much younger client. You could get 10
and 12 year olds experimenting. They usually switch from glues to
solvents,” he says.

Mr Harding is wary of publicising particular forms of abuse as, in his
experience, it can result in an increase in the levels of the said abuse.
By not issuing warnings, however, parents are left unaware of the dangers.
While public awareness has clamped down on the availability of solvents,
easy access to alcohol continues to be a source of frustration. Alcohol is
currently the main substance being abused.