While not all inhalants are chemically the same, they all work in essentially the same way, depressing activity within the central nervous system by binding to a neurotransmitter in the brain called gamma-Aminobutyric acid (GABA). GABA is responsible for helping to regulate feelings or stress and anxiety by inhibiting the nerve impulses carrying those feelings to the brain.Like other depressants, the chemicals in inhalants bind with the brain’s GABA receptors to activate them and release a flood of GABA throughout the brain and central nervous system, causing intense feelings of intoxication, sedation, and relaxation.Certain inhalants, including nail polish remover, spray paint, and craft glue, have been found to also create a spike in the levels of dopamine in the brain. Dopamine is a different neurotransmitter that is responsible for controlling feelings of pleasure, motivation, and reward, among other key functions and is what largely contributes to someone becoming addicted to a substance.An inhalant high typically lasts between about 15 minutes and 30 minutes and is usually achieved in the following ways:
Sniffing or snorting directly from the substance
Spraying an aerosol directly into the nose or mouth
Soaking a bag with an inhalant and then putting it over the face