Rising in popularity, whippets might appear harmless at first glance, but their misuse can lead to significant health risks. Read on with Avenues Recovery, leading drug treatment experts, to learn more about the whippets drug, its dangers, and its effects.
What Are Whippets?
Whippets, also known as “whippit”, “whip its,” or “whippets drug,” have gained popularity as recreational inhalant drugs. These substances are filled with nitrous oxide and derive their name from the aerosol canisters used for whipped cream, which people often open to access the nitrous oxide gas inside. Some people inhale the gas directly or they put the gas into a bag or balloon to inhale it.
Nitrous oxide is well known as “laughing gas,” which is sometimes used as an anesthetic for medical or dental purposes. When inhaled, these drugs induce a euphoric state that can temporarily alleviate mental and physical discomfort. Whippets are readily accessible since products containing nitrous oxide are legal in many areas. While some jurisdictions prohibit the sale of these products to individuals under eighteen, teenagers remain one of the largest user groups for whippets.
Are Whippets Legal?
The legality of using nitrous oxide for recreational purposes varies from country to country and even within different regions or states of the same country.
In many places, nitrous oxide is legal for certain purposes, such as medical or industrial use, but it may be regulated or prohibited when used for recreational purposes. It's important to check the specific laws and regulations in your jurisdiction to determine the legality of nitrous oxide for recreational use.
Are Whippets Dangerous?
While nitrous oxide is legal and commonly used for medical purposes, recreational use can be dangerous. The dangers of whippets drug are associated with various health risks, including the potential for oxygen deprivation, nerve damage, and addiction. Additionally, the improper use of nitrous oxide can lead to serious health consequences or even death.
Can the Whippets Drug Cause Brain Damage?
Oxygen deprivation is one of the most significant risks associated with nitrous oxide abuse. When inhaled excessively and repeatedly, oxygen can be displaced in the lungs, leading to hypoxia (low oxygen levels in the body). Hypoxia can have serious effects on the brain, including confusion, memory problems, brain damage, and even death. It’s important to note that when nitrous oxide is administered medically, like in a dental clinic, for example, it is mixed with oxygen, making it safe for medical use. When purchased in a non-medical setting, a person may inhale pure nitrous oxide, which can be deadly if inhaled continuously without coming up for air.
Whippets Side Effects
Nitrous oxide is a dissociative anesthetic that can produce feelings of euphoria, relaxation, and altered perception when inhaled. However, these effects are short-lived because the body quickly metabolizes the gas. The high usually peaks within a minute or two after inhalation and gradually fades away over the next several minutes.
Whippets ‘high’ effects include:
- Sensations of euphoria and relaxation
- Tingling or numbing sensation
- Feeling of lightheadedness
- Occasionally, users may feel the need to laugh (that’s how nitrous oxide received the name “laughing gas.”)
Short-Term Whippet Side-Effects
After the initial whippets high fades, users may experience side effects.
Short-term whippets side-effects include:
- Blurred eyesight
- Nausea and vomiting
- Slurred speech
- Dizziness
- Relaxed muscles
- Tingling sensation
Long-Term Nitrous Oxide Effects
Long-term nitrous oxide abuse effects include:
- Cognitive impairment - memory, attention, and learning difficulties
- Psychiatric effects - personality changes, mood swings, depression, and anxiety
- Vitamin B12 deficiency- Nitrous oxide inactivates vitamin B12, which is crucial for nerve health and blood formation. This deficiency can result in anemia and neurological issues.
Are Whippets Addictive?
While nitrous oxide is not considered highly physically addictive like other substances, it can still lead to psychological dependence and problematic use patterns.
Nitrous Oxide Addiction Signs
Here are some signs and symptoms that may indicate a nitrous oxide addiction:
- Frequent use: Someone addicted to nitrous oxide may use it regularly, often daily, or multiple times daily.
- Whippet equipment: If balloons and canisters are left around the house it may be a sign of a whippet addiction.
- Cravings: An individual with an addiction may experience strong cravings for nitrous oxide, leading to an intense desire to use it.
- Tolerance: Users may develop tolerance over time, meaning they need larger amounts of nitrous oxide to achieve the desired effects.
- Withdrawal symptoms: When not using nitrous oxide, individuals may experience withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, restlessness, irritability, and depression.
- Neglecting responsibilities: Addiction can lead to a person neglecting their responsibilities at work, school, or home due to their preoccupation with using nitrous oxide.
- Social isolation: An addiction to nitrous oxide may cause social withdrawal as the person spends more time using the substance and less time engaging in social activities.
- Financial problems: Buying nitrous oxide cartridges or canisters can be expensive, and individuals addicted to them may face financial difficulties as they prioritize purchasing the substance.
- Failed attempts to quit: Repeated unsuccessful attempts to quit or reduce nitrous oxide use can be a sign of addiction.
- Loss of interest in other activities: As addiction progresses, individuals may lose interest in activities they once enjoyed because they focus primarily on obtaining and using nitrous oxide.
- Risky use: Misusing nitrous oxide in risky situations, such as while driving or using heavy machinery, may indicate an addiction to nitrous oxide.
Get Help for Whippets Drug Addiction
If you or someone you know is struggling with whippets drug addiction or misuse, we can help you begin your path to recovery. Our experienced addiction counselors at Avenues Recovery have helped thousands of people just like you reach sobriety successfully. Contact Avenues Recovery to discover a vibrant, caring community of professional therapists and mentors, who will support and encourage you on your journey to true healing.