Inhalants are substances whose vapors cause an intoxicating effect when inhaled.
They act as depressants to the central nervous system. These substances are taken by inhaling them from a paper or plastic bag, breathing them from a saturated rag or handkerchief, or inhaling them directly from an aerosol can into the nose or mouth. When these substances are inhaled, the user quickly gets high and behaves in a manner similar to being drunk. Because of the ease with which many of these substances enter the blood and travel to brain cells, however, intoxication often occurs more quickly than with alcohol. Inhalants enter the blood and travel to the brain, creating a fast high which can also wear off quickly.