Examples include fast-drying pens, glues and cements, paints, lacquers, varnishes, and thinners. Their availability is one of the greatest attractions to this group of drugs. American technology has brought about a host of other products containing solvents and fluoro-hydrocarbons. Most users of these products have a low level of sophistication about drugs and may begin drug use starting with inhalants. Most homes, schools, and work sites have several of these substances on the premises.
Users report a feeling of well being, reduced inhibitions, and mood elevation.
In general, the effects are very similar to the effects of alcohol or other depressants. The duration of effect is about five minutes to one hour. At higher doses, effects may include laughing, giddiness, feelings of bloating, dizziness, time and space distortion. Users inhale the substance on a rag or concentrate the vapors and inhale from a plastic bag. However, they will recover more quickly than with alcohol.