Gasoline, glue and paint thinner are all common items that people use around the house or garage – and all can be abused by people addicted to sniffing solvents.
The issue is a problem social agencies, police, and even users themselves, are all trying to address.
“You get high. You black out. You don’t know what’s going on. You end up fighting your own friends and stuff,” said Lawrence Thompson, who sniffs wood varnish. He said he turned to it because it’s cheaper than drugs such as marijuana and cocaine.
Thompson said the high lasts just a few minutes and he often doesn’t even remember it.
Winnipeg police said they encounter people high on solvents on a daily basis.
“These individuals often times can be unpredictable, they can be very violent, and very aggressive,” said Const. Jason Michalyshen.
Users said the solvents can be easily obtained at stores in the neighbourhood, so police try to educate retailers about the problem.
“We have had conversations with business owners and it’s difficult for them,” said Michalyshen. “It puts them in a difficult situation.”
Many social agencies in the area around Main Street and Higgins Avenue have a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to intoxication but there are some, including the Lighthouse Mission, that will accept people even if they are high on solvents.
“A lot of them have been abusing solvents for so long it has impacted them on a permanent basis,” said J’Lynn Johnson, who works at Lighthouse.
Brian Martin has been huffing solvents for years and said he wants to quit but so far his efforts have been unsuccessful.
“I’m not high right now, but I was high earlier,” said Martin. “I could stop. And I hope the people around me could stop too. It’s addicting though, you know?”
Thompson said he knows his solvent abuse does damage to his brain and body.
Asked if he could stop, he responded that he probably can’t.
“I don’t know how,” he said.
Nor do some others in the neighbourhood and the problem is taking a toll on the community.
