Editing Inhalant (section)

==Administration and effects==
Inhalant users inhale vapors or aerosol propellant gases using plastic bags held over the mouth or by breathing from an open container of solvents, such as gasoline or paint thinner. Nitrous oxide gases from whipped cream aerosol cans, aerosol hairspray or non-stick frying spray are sprayed into plastic bags. Some nitrous oxide users spray the gas into balloons. When inhaling non-stick cooking spray or other aerosol products, some users may filter the aerosolized particles out with a rag. Some gases, such as propane and butane gases, are inhaled directly from the canister. Once these solvents or gases are inhaled, the extensive capillary surface of the [[human lung|lung]]s rapidly absorbs the solvent or gas, and blood levels peak rapidly. The intoxication effects occur so quickly that the effects of inhalation can resemble the intensity of effects produced by intravenous injection of other psychoactive drugs.<ref>{{cite web
 |last = Joseph
 |first = Donald E.
 |title = Inhalants
 |work = Drugs of Abuse
 |publisher = United States Drug Enforcement Administration
 |year = 2005
 |url = http://www.justice.gov/dea/pubs/abuse/doa-p.pdf
 |access-date = 26 January 2011
 |url-status = dead
 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110101125817/http://www.justice.gov/dea/pubs/abuse/doa-p.pdf
 |archive-date = 1 January 2011
 |df = dmy-all
}}
</ref>

Ethanol is also inhaled, either by vaporizing it by pouring it over [[dry ice]] in a narrow container and inhaling with a straw or by pouring alcohol in a corked bottle with a pipe, and then using a bicycle pump to make a [[spray (liquid drop)|spray]]. Alcohol can be vaporized using a simple container and open-flame heater.<ref name=forbes>{{cite news|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/robertglatter/2013/06/21/the-dangers-of-smoking-alcohol/|title=The Dangers Of "Smoking" Alcohol|last=Glatter|first=Robert|date=21 June 2013|work=Forbes|access-date=23 January 2014}}</ref> Medical devices such as asthma nebulizers and inhalers were also reported as a means of application. The practice gained popularity in 2004, with the marketing of the device dubbed AWOL (Alcohol without liquid), a play on the military term [[AWOL]] (Absent Without Leave).<ref name=slate/> AWOL, created by British businessman Dominic Simler,<ref name=slate/> was first introduced in Asia and Europe, and then in the United States in August 2004. AWOL was used by nightclubs, at gatherings and parties, and it garnered attraction as a [[novelty]], as people 'enjoyed passing it around in a group'.<ref name=bbc>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/bristol/somerset/3493487.stm |title=Inhaling alcohol may 'harm brain' |publisher=BBC |date= 16 February 2004}}</ref> AWOL uses a [[nebulizer]], a machine that agitates the liquid into an [[aerosol]]. AWOL's official website states that "AWOL and AWOL 1 are powered by ''Electrical Air Compressors'' while AWOL 2 and AWOL 3 are powered by ''electrical oxygen generators''",<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.awolspirit.com/purchasing.htm |title=AWOL Official page: AIR POWERED AWOL MACHINES |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140202111418/http://www.awolspirit.com/purchasing.htm |archive-date=2 February 2014  }}</ref> which refer to a couple of mechanisms used by the nebulizer drug delivery device for inhalation. Although the AWOL machine is marketed as having no downsides, such as the lack of calories or hangovers, Amanda Shaffer of ''[[Slate (magazine)|Slate]]'' describes these claims as "dubious at best".<ref name=slate/> Although inhaled alcohol does reduce the caloric content, the savings are minimal.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.slate.com/articles/news_and_politics/explainer/2013/06/smoking_alcohol_can_you_inhale_calories.html|title=Can You Inhale Calories?|last=Palmer|first=Brian|work=[[Slate (magazine)|Slate]]|date=18 June 2013|access-date=23 January 2014}}</ref> After expressed safety and health concerns, sale or use of AWOL machines was [[#Regulation|banned]] in a number of American states.<ref name="nytimes2006"/>

The effects of [[solvent]] intoxication can vary widely depending on the dose and what type of solvent or gas is inhaled. A person who has inhaled a small amount of rubber cement or paint thinner vapor may be impaired in a manner resembling alcohol inebriation. A person who has inhaled a larger quantity of solvents or gases, or a stronger chemical, may experience stronger effects such as distortion in perceptions of time and space, [[hallucination]]s, and emotional disturbances. The effects of inhalant use are also modified by the combined use of inhalants and alcohol or other drugs.

In the short term, many users experience headaches, nausea and vomiting, slurred speech, loss of [[motor coordination]], and wheezing. A characteristic "glue sniffer's rash" around the nose and mouth is sometimes seen after prolonged use. An odor of paint or solvents on clothes, skin, and breath is sometimes a sign of inhalant abuse, and paint or solvent residues can sometimes emerge in sweat.<ref>{{cite web
 | title = The Public Health Bush Book
 | publisher = Northern Territory Government, Department of Health and Community Services
 |year= 2002
 | url = http://www.nt.gov.au/health/healthdev/health_promotion/bushbook/volume2/chap1/petrol.htm
 | access-date = 27 December 2006}}</ref>

According to NIH, even a single session of inhalant use "can disrupt heart rhythms and lower oxygen levels", which can lead to death. "Regular abuse can result in serious harm to the brain, heart, kidneys, and liver."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/inhalants.html|title=Inhalants: MedlinePlus|access-date=19 July 2017}}</ref>