Several inhalations are required to produce the desired effect. The two primary reasons for inhalant abuse are peer pressure and dysfunctional families. Young people who sniff frequently come from backgrounds of family disorganization, e.g., broken homes, unemployment and substance abuse. School dropout or failure is frequent for these young people, who have considerable idle time and few opportunities for a better lifestyle. With family and peer group role models providing little hope for the future, sniffing can become their chief recreation.
Inhalants are depressants which, like their relatives, the anesthetic gases, initially stimulate.
The user experiences giddiness, dizziness, slurred speech, staggering gait and euphoria. Disinhibition, impulsiveness and excitement are common. The individual under the influence of an inhalant may outwardly appear to be inebriated with alcohol. Delusions and hallucinations may occur. Significant psychosocial morbidity is associated with inhalant abuse.