Whippets also known as “hippy crack”, “whip-its”, and “nitro, are small canisters filled with nitrous oxide, commonly used in whipped cream dispensers. When misused, people inhale the gas to experience a short-term euphoric high. This use can be dangerous, as it deprives the brain of oxygen, leading to dizziness, disorientation, or even unconsciousness. Whippet drugs are easy to get a hold of at gas stations and grocery stores and are among some of the most heavily abused drugs by teenagers worldwide.
Are whippets addictive?
According to a study published in the American Journal of Medicine, nitrous oxide is addictive because it interacts with opioid receptors in the brain, causing the user to feel intense feelings of pleasure.
Although nitrous oxide is not as addictive as opioids are, inhaling it results in a short-lived high that lasts for up to five minutes which may lead to repeated or binge use. Nitrous oxide also has hallucinogenic properties which may be attractive to certain people and motivate them to keep using it.
Once someone becomes physically dependent on whippets they may keep using them to feel “normal” and avoid experiencing withdrawal symptoms.
What are the side effects of whippets?
Whippets have both short term and long terms side effects.
Short-term side effects include:
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Headaches
- Disorientation and loss of coordination
- Temporary euphoria
- Nerve damage with prolonged use
- Vitamin B12 deficiency
- Memory problems
- Unconsciousness or brain damage from oxygen deprivation
Long-term side effects include
- Organ damage
- Spinal cord damage
- Increased risk of cancer
- Hearing loss
- Memory issues
- Muscle deterioration
Detox & Withdrawal From Whippets
Although not everyone who uses inhalant drugs will experience an intense withdrawal process, any drug detox should be treated as a potential medical emergency.
For some people, detoxing from whippet drugs can be very dangerous and requires medical supervision. Potential withdrawal symptoms include intense drug cravings, vomiting, sweating, insomnia, anxiety, and hallucinations.
It can take up to two weeks to detox from nitrous oxide, depending on the length and intensity of use. Long-term recovery from an addiction to whippet drugs requires a therapeutic intervention which may include different kinds of psychotherapy and trauma-based therapies.
FAQs
How do people do Whippets?
People use whippets by cracking open small nitrous oxide canisters, usually found in whipped cream dispensers. The gas is typically inhaled through a balloon or directly from the canister, producing a quick, short-lived high.
What is nitrous oxide?
Nitrous oxide is a colorless gas that has a sweet odor and taste. It is commonly used in dental and medical facilities as an anesthetic that can be used to block pain but allows the patient to remain conscious.
What does nitrous oxide do to your brain?
Nitrous oxide affects the brain by reducing the amount of oxygen it receives, leading to a temporary sense of euphoria, relaxation, or mild hallucinations. It also blocks the release of neurotransmitters like glutamate, affecting brain function and perception.
How do people do Whippets?
People use whippets by cracking open small nitrous oxide canisters, usually found in whipped cream dispensers. The gas is typically inhaled through a balloon or directly from the canister, producing a quick, short-lived high.
What are some signs of whippet use?
Signs of whippet use include sores around the mouth, red eyes, runny nose, slow motor function, slurring words, loss of appetite, and disrupted sleeping patterns. People using whippets may also have an odd assortment of sweet-smelling balloons or whipped cream canisters in their trash.
Find Your Path to Recovery
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With a trauma-based approach in a safe, family-like environment, we offer medical detox and tailored treatment plans to help people of all ages learn more about and resolve the underlying issues that cause substance abuse. If you or someone you love is struggling with a drug or alcohol addiction, contact us today.
Sources:
https://withdrawal.net/inhalant/
https://americanaddictioncenters.org/inhalant-abuse/side-effects
