Dangerous Highs examined the cases of more than 350 teenagers who called ChildLine's telephone advice helpline about the problem.Young people's explanations of why they use solvents included reasons ranging from rape to bereavement. But despite the multitude of causes, the report's author, Simon Blake, said conclusions can be drawn.
"It shows that young people who use volatile substances are already vulnerable and marginalised," said Blake, assistant director of children's development at the NCB.
"Drug education won't be the solution - you need to address the underlying problems. Many use volatile substances to punish themselves, so it is as much a self-harm issue as a substance misuse one."
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