Have you ever heard of poppers? If not, you’re not alone, many people have no idea what they are. The trouble is, they are addictive, and they are potentially dangerous, and if you have a loved one that uses them or you use them, it’s important to educate yourself about the risks. “Poppers” is the slang term for alkyl nitrates which are basically inhalants. They cause many negative side effects, and unfortunately, many people are getting high off them.
How Poppers Are Used
Poppers are abused recreationally by people all around the world. Someone who is abusing inhalants will take in the fumes directly from the little bottles inside spray cans. They are very inexpensive and are easy high to acquire. Sex enhancers, room deodorizers, and other inhalants are being abused as this common substance. With this being said, abusing poppers is dangerous.
Effects of Poppers
People who abuse poppers do so for the quick high. Instantly, users experience a rush of dizziness, euphoria, and pleasure. Inhalants, however, cause many negative side effects. Dilated blood vessels cause a significant drop in blood pressure, which can cause lightheadedness. Sometimes the user may lose consciousness and strength in their muscles. The heart races, which is called tachycardia.
Side Effects of Poppers
There are many other side effects of poppers that you should know about, as well. These include the following:
- Vasodilation
- Relaxed anal sphincter
- Skin lesions around the lips and nose
- Allergic reactions
- Increases pressure in the brain, eyes, and nose
- Headaches
- Sinusitis
- Sudden sniffing death (cardiac arrest)
Who Uses Poppers?
Amyl nitrate started being used recreationally during the 1960s, starting with the LGBTQ community. Rush poppers helped them to relax during sexual arousal. This made anal sex less painful and made their orgasms better. Others have also recreationally abused inhalants. During the 1970s, they were very popular in the clubbing scene. Surprisingly enough, there are even many medical students who have abused amyl nitrite.
Popper Addiction Information
Anyone can develop an addiction to amyl nitrite poppers. These inhalants can be very addictive. From the first time of abusing them or getting high off them, it is possible to develop an addiction to them. There are poppers drug addiction treatment centers available.
Popper Withdrawal
Unfortunately, recovering from an amyl nitrate poppers addiction or coming down from the use of amyl nitrate will cause withdrawal symptoms, including:
- Loss of appetite
- Insomnia
- Restlessness
- Excessive sweating
- Watery eyes
- Poor concentration
- Runny nose
- Racing heart rate
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Increased anxiety
- Mood changes
- Hallucinations
Popper Overdose
Many people don’t know how to use poppers, which can cause an overdose. This can lead to losing consciousness or even lead to death from cardiac arrest.
Many people have questions about poppers. What is a popper? Are poppers safe? Now you have a better idea of what poppers are and how they work. If you have an addiction to or have been abusing poppers, there is treatment available.
Sources
Medical disclaimer:
Sunshine Behavioral Health strives to help people who are facing substance abuse, addiction, mental health disorders, or a combination of these conditions. It does this by providing compassionate care and evidence-based content that addresses health, treatment, and recovery.
Licensed medical professionals review material we publish on our site. The material is not a substitute for qualified medical diagnoses, treatment, or advice. It should not be used to replace the suggestions of your personal physician or other health care professionals.