Volatile substance or solvent abuse (called huffing) is the practice of inhaling volatile substances for their hallucinogenic properties. Fumes from spray paint, glue, indelible markers, and other products containing solvents are inhaled to achieve a "high".
Spray paint (especially silver coloured paint), and even fly spray, are sprayed into plastic bags to trap the gas, and the bag is breathed in from.
Solvent-based glue and markers are generally held to the nose, and the fumes inhaled.
The process is very harmful, and is generally only used by young substance abusers or as a desperate last resort for financially deprived addicts.
It is practiced mostly by teenagers and others who have no access to other intoxicants, such as alcohol. In many jurisdictions, minors are banned from buying airplane glue because of its potential for abuse. The practice of inhaling volatile substances can be dangerous.
The practice of inhaling the aerosol gases from aerosol cans is called "Huffing".
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