Volatile Substances

Duration: one day course

Appropriate for: any workers who encounter clients who use volatile substances such as butane gas or glue.

(NB The use of Volatile Substances is frequently associated with young people, although older people do also use volatile substances. This course will concentrate on working with young people using volatile substances but can be adapted to look at use amongst older people.)

Objectives: By the end of the course, participants will:

• Have a good understanding of which products may be misused,
• How products are misused and why,
• Understand the effects of Volatile Substance Abuse,
• Understand key risks of volatile substance abuse and strategies for reducing these risks
• Understand what the law says about volatile substances
• Have increased skills in educating young people about the risks of volatile substance abuse
• Have increased confidence in addressing and responding to volatile substance abuse
• An awareness of issues relating to the abuse of volatile substances amongst young people

Course includes:

• Volatile substances, what they are
• Products that are misused
• How they are used
• Reasons for use
• Key risks of use

Format: Taught section, group discussion, work in small groups and pairs

Handouts: Specialist briefing on volatile substance abuse and harm reduction strategies.

DANOS Modules: AA1, AB2, AB5, AC1, AF2, AL2