Poppers

Category: club drug or aphrodisiac

Chemical name: refers to various alkyl nitrites including amyl nitrate, butyl nitrate, isopropyl nitrate and isobutyl nitrate

• poppers are liquids that are inhaled for effect
• poppers are popular club drugs and are believed to enhance sexual experiences
• the effects of poppers are typically short, lasting only a few minutes
• some poppers are used medicinally as an antidote to cyanide poisoning, while other uses include as video cleaners, vinyl cleaners and deodorizers

*Reactions and experiences may vary dramatically from person to person.*

Effects on brain:

Short term:

• lighheadedness occurs as a result of blood rushing to the brain
• can result in slight headaches after a couple of minutes
• users occasionally pass out from the head rush that results

• prolongued use can result in neurological damage

Effects on body:

Short term:

• relaxes soft muscle tissues in parts of the body
• increases heart rate and blood flow, resulting in a heating sensation lasting a couple of minutes
• there are claims that it inceases the “hardness” of an erection

• reports suggest erectile difficulties can arise after prologued usage
• burns around nose can occur from sniffing
• there have been reports of vision problems resulting from heavy popper usage, including rectal tearing and possibly blindness

Effects on behaviour:

Short term:

• increased compulsive behaviour

• there are no documented long-term behavioural effects resultant from popper use

Addiction: Poppers are non-addictive physically and are rarely psychologically addictive unless used compulsively for sexual reasons

Tolerance: Tolerance to the effects of poppers can develop over time, though it tends to fade if they haven't been used in a while

Withdrawal Symptoms: there are no known withdrawal symptoms associated with Poppers

*Disclaimer! Nothing you do can make using poppers completely safe. All drug use has inherent risks and dangers. The suggestions in this section can only help you reduce some of the associated risks. The best way to avoid the harms related to drug use is to not take the drug at all.*

• poppers are illegal in many Western countries, although they are sold in some locations and over the internet for functions that do not include inhalation (ex. As deodorizers or vinyl cleaners)
• avoid swallowing or ingesting! This can result in death
• Poppers are highly flammable so keep away from flames!
• Avoid use in conjunction with vasodilators such as Viagra as it can cause your blood pressure to drop dangerously low
• Be wary of use if you have glaucoma, as poppers can exert an increased amount of pressure on your eyes
• Avoid use if you are pregnant as nitrates are absorbed via the placenta to your fetus