PROFILE OF SOLVENT ABUSE IN SCHOOL-CHILDREN

The purpose of the present paper is to increase professional awareness of the problem of solvent abuse among those whose work it is to care for the young; and to suggest that action is needed to promote prevention and early identification. There should be great awareness of tell-tale signs of abuse, such as a strong smell of chemicals about a person, or suspicious stains on skin areas of the mouth, nose and hands. Stained clothing and spillage marks in the bedroom and bathroom may serve to arouse or confirm suspicions that a young person is involved in the abuse of solvents. Tubes of glue or empty containers found lying around the house or school premises need to be viewed suspiciously as they may well be an indication of the carelessness which can result from habitual usage. These signs rarely occur in isolation and are often part of an identifiable pattern of behaviour which is easily detected once attention is directed towards the person. Detection should result in professional service being offered to the child, the family and the school.