When people think of substance abuse and addiction, many think about misusing alcohol or illicit drugs. However, some substances found in everyday products have the potential for abuse and addiction.
Whippets are inhalants that contain nitrous oxide. Many everyday products contain nitrous oxide, including aerosol sprays and whipped cream dispensers.
Medical and dental professionals may offer nitrous oxide during medical procedures for sedation or to help people relax. In a controlled medical setting, nitrous oxide use is safe. However, recreational nitrous oxide abuse can be very dangerous.
This article will explore the effects and risks of whippet abuse. You will learn:
- The effects and risks of nitrous oxide abuse
- The potential for whippet addiction
- How to recognize whippet abuse
- Where to find comprehensive substance abuse treatment
If you or someone you love abuses nitrous oxide or other substances, find treatment at Archstone Behavioral Health. Contact our specialists to learn more about our supportive substance use disorder (SUD) treatment programs. You may also reach out if you have questions or want to schedule an intake appointment.
What are Whippets?
“Whippets” is a slang term to describe misusing nitrous oxide. Nitrous oxide is a colorless, odorless, and flavorless gas. People may inhale nitrous oxide directly from whipped cream canisters or other products. Or, they may fill balloons with the gas and inhale it.
People may also call nitrous oxide “laughing gas” because it can cause euphoric effects.
Other slang terms for inhaled nitrous oxide include:
- Nitro
- Nossies
- Hippie crack
- Nangs
- Balloons
The side effects of nitrous oxide last only a few minutes. People may “huff” nitrous oxide, meaning they inhale it over and over again in a short period.
Inhalant abuse is very dangerous. However, many young people (about 14 million) reported engaging in some type of inhalant abuse in 2022. Teens and young adults are the most common groups who report abusing inhalant drugs. These substances are readily available and legally sold in whipped cream chargers, keyboard cleaners, and other household products.
It is essential to know the dangers of inhalant abuse and seek treatment as soon as you recognize a problem.
Side Effects of Whippet Abuse
Whippets can cause short-term effects that mimic the effects of alcohol. People may experience effects that include:
- Decreased sensory perceptions (including reduction in pain)
- Intense excitement or happiness
- A sensation of being separate from the body
- Hallucinations (more common among people who combine nitrous oxide and other substances)
People can also experience unwanted or dangerous short-term side effects, including:
- Nausea
- Weakness
- Headache
A person’s general health, age, body composition, and other factors may impact how strong side effects are and how long they last.
Short-Term Risks of Whippets
Medical experts have determined that using nitrous oxide in a supervised, controlled setting is safe. In a medical setting, people receive a combination of nitrous oxide and oxygen that can reduce the potential for dangerous side effects.
However, people who abuse nitrous oxide typically inhale an undiluted form of the gas. This can increase the risk of short-term danger, including:
- Irregular heartbeat
- Delusions
- Blurry vision
- Nausea and vomiting
- Headaches
- Slurred speech
- Fainting
- Tingling sensations
- Weakness in the arms and legs
- Emotional dysregulation
Frequent whippet abuse can also lead to serious long-term health complications and risks.
Long-Term Dangers of Whippet Abuse
It is legal to buy and sell household products containing nitrous oxide. This can give people a false sense of security about the safety of this gas.
However, nitrous oxide abuse can cause serious, sometimes life-threatening complications, including:
- Psychosis
- Depressions
- Brain damage
- Muscle loss
- Liver damage
- Ringing or buzzing in the ears
- Breathing problems
- Spinal cord damage
- Loss of bowel and bladder control
- Changes in heart rate
- Damage to bone marrow
- Kidney damage
- Blood pressure changes
Research has also shown that abusing nitrous oxide during pregnancy may cause congenital disabilities. Combining nitrous oxide and other substances increases the risk of serious health problems.
Nitrous oxide abuse is a dangerous habit that can be tough to break. It isn’t possible to become physically addicted to nitrous oxide. However, people who abuse it frequently may develop psychological dependence.
People who develop dependence on whippets often require substance abuse and mental health treatment to stop. They may also need ongoing support or treatment to avoid relapse.
Recognizing Whippet Abuse
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) encourages parents and other adults to learn the signs of whippet abuse. Identifying whippet abuse is the first step toward getting help.
Some signs of nitrous oxide abuse include:
- Significant changes in mood or behaviors
- A rash around the nose and mouth
- Slurred speech, glassy eyes, or difficulty walking
- Chronic headaches
- Missing work or school more often
- Isolating more often or only spending time with others who abuse drugs
- Finding empty whipped cream chargers, aerosol canisters, balloons, and other containers in their living spaces
People who abuse nitrous oxide require support and treatment to stop. Contact the Archstone Behavioral Health specialists to learn more about recognizing and treating nitrous oxide abuse.
Find Treatment Now
If you or someone you love struggles with nitrous oxide abuse or other substance abuse, you are not alone. Find the support, treatment, and resources you need at Archstone Behavioral Health. Contact our intake specialists to learn more about our programs or to schedule an appointment.
References:
- National Institute of Health (NIH): The use of nitrous oxide whippets as a recreational drug: Hidden health risks
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): Understanding Adolescent Inhalant Use
- The American Journal of Psychiatry: Let’s “Whippit” Away: Nitrous Oxide Misuse and Its Complications
