Household solvents. Solvents are liquids that dissolve substances to produce a solution. All of the items seen contain some form of solvent, for example the perfume (centre left) contains an alcohol that dissolves the chemicals that make up the perfume's scent. The tube of glue (lower right) is often associated with solvent abuse. This involves the inhalation, often by children, of the volatile substances within the solvent, which results in dizziness and hallucinations (high). Long term abuse can cause brain and liver damage and possibly lead to death.