Pubdate: Sat, 12 June 1999
Source: Belfast Telegraph (UK)
Copyright: 1999 Belfast Telegraph Newspapers Ltd.
Contact:  http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/
Author: Jennifer Doherty

SOLVENT ABUSE SHOCK

NORTHERN Ireland has one of the UK's worst records for deaths from solvent
abuse, a national charity revealed today.

Now Re-Solv, which is dedicated to dealing with the problem, is setting up a
permanent base in the province.

Warren Hawksley, Re- Solv's director, visited the province this week and met
representatives from the Department of Health, the RUC, Health Promotion
Board, voluntary workers in the field and church leaders.

"Substance abuse is a major problem in Northern Ireland - the mortality rate
is above the national average.

"People hear all the time about ecstasy deaths - but there are seven times
as many deaths from volatile substance abuse than from ecstasy.

"And 50% of all deaths are from butane gas cigarette lighters.

"We are currently lobbying the government to ban the sale of these items to
children under 18."In Northern Ireland the most popular substances which are
abused by youngsters are butane lighter gas, followed by glue.

But up to 30 household items from air freshners, deodrants to polish could
be potentially abused.

Mr Hawksley said that the drug abuse problem in the province had not yet
accelerated to levels in Britain, as he suggested that up until now
paramilitaries had controlled the problem.

"On my previous visit to Northern Ireland the one comment I heard time and
time again, from all sections of the community was that solvent and
substance abuse is probably the biggest substance misuse in the region.

"This is of deep concern to Re-Solv. We are, of course, well aware of the
unique situation in the province but it is Re-Solv's very real experience
that volatile substance abuse does not respect class, race or creed.

"We wish to work with the whole community to prevent the misery and
devastation that impacts upon a community which always follows VSA, as
surely as night follows day."He added: "We, believe, as do many of our
supporters in Northern Ireland, that there is a need to establish a
permanent presence within the province.

"We hope to establish a general office perhaps employing two people to work
with agencies and communities throughout Northern Ireland.

"To those whose lives are being ruined by VSA we hope this new initiative
will simply offer hope."RE-SOLV has issued the following signs which parents
should look out for if they suspect their child may be involved in substance
abuse: Mood swings or a decline in attitude and behaviour. Truancy -
particularly where attendance has previously been good. Frequent headaches,
reddened eyes or a persistently runny nose.

Re-Solv has set up a freephone helpline number for parents who are worried
about their childern: (0808) 800 2345.

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