What is Solvent Abuse?
Solvent Abuse and or Solvent Addiction and Inhalant
abuse are terms that are used inter changeably to describe the
practice of purposefully breathing in (huffing or sniffing) the
fumes from a variety of common household products, with the intent
to get high. This practice is not the same as other forms of
intentional pleasure seeking through intoxication for the simple
reason that the products inhaled are not intended for human
consumption. Most of the products used are clearly marked on labels
as poisons, combustibles or hazardous materials. For this reason the
YSAC network supports all prevention efforts that convey the message
that inhalants are poisons.
It is the practice of YSAC not to name products
specifically in any format that young people have access to. More
information on potentially abusable substances can be found in the
facilitators section of our prevention manual. Copies of this manual
are available through the treatment centre in your region or click
here.
History
1995, Health Canada, through the Brighter Futures/ Solvent Abuse
Initiative, began the development phase for several First Nations
Treatment Centres geared toward adolescent Solvent Abuse. Six
centres were initially awarded, (with one already in existence) in
various regions of Canada. In July 1996, First Nations and Inuit
Health Branch began the establishment and implementation phase for
the permanent sites. In 1998, there were additional fiscal resources
set aside, adding an additional three treatment centres to this
network. The original group of seven centres formed what has become
a supportive network of communication and idea sharing, including
the development of visionary planning for creating a cohesive and
fully integrated system of national cooperation. Throughout 1998
this network, named The Youth Solvent Abuse Committee or YSAC, came
together to begin the development of a formal accreditation model.
In conjunction with the accreditation process, several methods of
effective treatment delivery were shared within the group. From this
sharing, the group began to develop a vision of best practice
guidelines for adolescent solvent treatment. The National YSAC group
is now comprised of a network of 10 First Nation Youth Treatment
Centres spread throughout Canada. Eight of the centres are solvent
abuse specific services while 2 are targeting multi addictions. YSAC
is composed of one representative from each of the National
Treatment Centres, usually the Executive Director, with regional and
national representation from First Nations and Inuit Health Branch.
Since 2000 the group has welcomed associated members from the USA,
provincial facilities and drug and alcohol centres for youth.
Celebrating Success