Dangers of Poppers Addiction
Poppers are a type of liquid medication that is inhaled and produces an almost immediate high for users.
What Are Poppers?
Poppers include both butyl nitrite and amyl nitrite in their composition. Doctors prescribe inhalable amyl nitrite for the relief of chest discomfort. For the most part, poppers' drug effects are long-lasting but do not tend to last as long as those of other inhalants.
A popper is generally an alkyl nitrite inhalant. Manufacturers employ different variants of alkyl nitrite in their compounds, but most contain amyl nitrate.
Types of Harmful Chemical Compounds Used in Poppers
While poppers’ addiction is not frequent, each chemical has its complications. Here are some of the most common types of poppers:
- Amyl Poppers: Amyl poppers tend to be the most potent forms of the drug. They can cause feelings of exhilaration, loss of inhibition, and a longer-lasting euphoria than with other poppers.
- Pentyl Nitrite: Butyl nitrite is a highly toxic substance that most countries have banned. It is, for example, prohibited in the European Union due to its toxicity.
- Isobutyl Nitrite: Isobutyl nitrite, a popular recreational drug with high substance abuse potential, has been related to methemoglobinemia in particular users and studies.1
- Isopropyl Nitrite: A "rush" of dopamine and other feel-good chemicals is the primary reason why isobutyl nitrite is used, along with other psychoactive drugs.2
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Types of Harmful Chemicals Used in Poppers
Nitrite inhalants are a popular recreational substance, and these poppers types have some links to higher rates of:3
Amyl Nitrate Risks
Researchers have shown that amyl nitrate can even cause delirium, memory loss, delusional thoughts, and even fatality, depending on the dose. Amyl nitrate also has some links to:
Amyl nitrite can induce lethal asphyxiation due to heart blood and heart vessel issues.
Additional Consequences of Amyl Nitrate Abuse
According to the British Medical Journal (BMJ), isopropyl nitrate can induce visual abnormalities, blind spots, blurriness, and retinal impairment. Researchers concluded that stopping the use of isopropyl nitrate, however, does not prevent these problems from disappearing.4
When taken over a lengthy period, butyl nitrite can cause serious harm to the blood vessels, heart, brain, liver, muscles, and kidneys, among other organs. Its acute symptoms have the potential to cause death.
People who disobey the law by selling poppers for non-prescribed usage will face criminal consequences. However, you may still see the small colored bottles sold in several locations. To get around these prohibitions, sellers primarily promote them as room deodorizers, leather cleaners, etc.
What Effects Do Poppers Have On the Body?
Toxic compounds, such as poppers and other inhalants, can cause harm to the entire body system. There is a severe risk of poppers causing brain damage to some users, and poppers' addiction, while not common, can ensue, particularly after long-term use. They have the potential to impact a wide variety of bodily systems, including the heart, brain, kidneys, immune system, and lungs.
Long-Term Effects on the Body
The long-term effects of poppers can cause harm to several areas of the brain, including those that are responsible for our hearing, cognition, movement, and vision.
Poppers addiction can cause anything from minor to serious harm to the brain. When someone quits taking poppers, the damage they've done to their body could sometimes be irreversible.
The use of poppers is also associated with methemoglobinemia (MetHb), a form of blood disease in which cells get an inadequate flow of oxygen. MetHb might be fatal if the condition is not addressed quickly and appropriately.
How Long Does a Poppers’ High Last?
The euphoria from poppers starts to kick in after only a few seconds of intake. Because inhalants like poppers provide a high so quickly, users may frequently inhale more of the substance to make the effects last longer. Using poppers in this manner is extremely risky. Poppers overdose is real, and it can lead to loss of consciousness or even death if one does not stop them immediately.
poppers
The Dangers of Poppers Addiction
Even though they are legal in many areas and are prescribed to many people, poppers pose several dangers. Consuming poppers can result in significant health concerns in the short-term, and can cause organ damage in the long run.
Short-Term Side Effects
There have been many reports of people ending up in a hospital and dying due to using poppers. The following are some of the immediate dangers of using poppers:
There is a significant danger of "sudden sniffing death" while using inhalants. Even a single use of inhalants like poppers can cause serious health problems like asphyxiation, seizures, or fatal injury.
Long-Term Side Effects
Using poppers for an extended period can lead to long-term health concerns, such as:5
There are some ways to help mitigate the effects of long-term poppers usage, while other side effects might be irreversible. On the other hand, it is never too late to put an end to anything. If you or a loved one need help with poppers addiction, it’s best to reach out to a recovery center.
Get Help for Poppers Addiction at Boardwalk Recovery
Even while poppers’ usage does not always develop into severe addiction, they are exceedingly hazardous to one's health, and you should not consume them without a medical prescription. In addition, those who begin their drug usage with poppers are more likely to try and misuse more complex narcotics such as cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine.
Call Boardwalk Recovery right away to learn more about our poppers drug treatment program if you or someone you care about is struggling with an addiction to poppers, other drugs, or alcohol. We’re here to help every step of the way during the recovery process.
