Poppers are a type of recreational drug made from amyl nitrite, a chemical compound that has been used medically to treat angina (chest pain) since the late 19th century, but they have become increasingly popular as a recreational drug. Inhaled through the nose or mouth, poppers produce a short-lived high and a sense of relaxation and euphoria. They’re sold legally, often in bottles labeled for use as room deodorizers or leather cleaners, but are illegal to consume for recreational purposes. Poppers can be dangerous—they’re not regulated by the FDA and can interact with prescription medications, cause severe side effects, or lead to dependency.1
How Do Poppers Work?
Poppers originated as a treatment for angina, a heart condition that causes chest pain and discomfort due to reduced blood flow to the heart. When inhaled, poppers relax the muscles in the body, including those around blood vessels. This relaxation results in widened arteries and increased blood flow, which can help alleviate chest pain.
When used recreationally, poppers produce a quick rush of warm sensations, dizziness, and lightheadedness. They also relax muscles throughout the body, leading to feelings of euphoria and decreased inhibitions.
These effects typically last for a few minutes, and people who use poppers may also experience headaches, nausea, and increased heart rate.
Risks and Side Effects
Despite being sold legally in many places, poppers can be dangerous and have harmful side effects. They’re not regulated by the FDA, so there’s no way to ensure their purity or potency. This lack of regulation means that the contents of one bottle of poppers may differ greatly from another, making it difficult for users to know what they’re inhaling.
Poppers are also known to interact with prescription medications such as Viagra and blood pressure medications.2 Mixing these drugs can cause a severe drop in blood pressure, leading to dizziness, fainting, or even heart attack or stroke.
Additionally, frequent use of poppers can lead to dependency and other health risks, including:
- Damage to the liver, kidneys, or blood vessels
- Respiratory issues such as bronchitis and asthma attacks
- Loss of coordination and balance
- Vision damage or loss
- Severe headaches or migraines
- Increased risk of HIV and hepatitis due to decreased inhibitions and risky sexual behavior while under the influence.
While the immediate effects of poppers may be enjoyable, the long-term consequences can be harmful and even life-threatening. That’s why it’s essential to understand the risks and make informed decisions about their use.
Are Poppers Addictive?
While poppers may not lead to physical dependence, frequent use can create a psychological reliance on their effects.
Additionally, using poppers as a coping mechanism for emotional or mental distress can also lead to dependency and potential addiction. It’s essential to seek help if you find yourself unable to stop using poppers despite negative consequences in your life.
Addiction treatment programs at RCA can address popper use. Discovering and addressing the underlying factors that contribute to substance use, building coping skills, and receiving support from trained professionals can help you or a loved one achieve lasting recovery.
Is It Possible to Overdose on Poppers?
Yes, it is possible to overdose on poppers. The danger lies in the fact that they’re often sold in unregulated containers and can contain varying levels of potency. Using them with other substances, such as alcohol or prescription medications, can also increase the risk of overdose.
Symptoms of a popper overdose may include:
- Rapid or irregular heart rate
- Severe headache
- Nausea and vomiting
- Blue lips or skin (due to decreased oxygen flow)
If you experience any of these symptoms after inhaling poppers, seek medical attention immediately.
Remember, just because something is legal doesn’t mean it’s safe. Poppers can have serious and even life-threatening consequences.
Find Help for Addiction at Recovery Centers of America
If you’re struggling with popper use, there’s help available. Recovery Centers of America offers evidence-based addiction treatment programs designed to address every aspect of substance use disorders. Our team of healthcare professionals is dedicated to helping patients achieve lasting recovery and rebuild their lives.
Call 833.926.5486 or reach out online today for more information on our treatment programs and how we can support you or a loved one on the journey toward sobriety.
Sources:
2. NBC News – Viagra and Nitrates Don’t Mix, so How Are Some Men Still Taking Both?
