Bert,

It isn't alcohol that propels PAM, it is some other chemical. Most hydrocarbons are intoxicating. The middle of intoxicating is the word toxic. The "feeling" of high provided by these substances is just the first sign that they are poisoning you. But some people like that. Unfortunately, these chemicals also cause damage to the nervous system and to those organs that attempt to remove toxins from the system (liver and kidneys, esp.)

I believe the "sniffing" of PAM and of other hydrocarbons (gasoline, glue, lighter fluid, etc., etc.,etc.) is an attempt to alter the sniffer's state of consciousness. These chemicals will do that, but the state as described by users is not one I would seek. However, if your current state is pretty bad, you might choose one that is less bad even if it is still bad. I would expect that heavy metal music achieves similar results so the two go together.

Your friendly neighborhood addiction counselor (there's one lurking in every cafe).

Roger in Baltimore