Nitrous Oxide Abuse: Side Effects & Treatment for Whippets
When recreationally inhaled, nitrous oxide can impair the body’s metabolism of vitamin B12. This is a dangerous effect because vitamin B12 is essential for maintaining the body’s myelin sheath, which insulates and protects nerves in the brain and spinal cord. Nitrous oxide’s long-term use can lead to range of neurological, hematologic related to blood, and psychiatric complications, including nerve damage and psychosis. Whippets (“whippits”, “whip its”, or “nos”) are a form of abusing inhalants through “huffing” nitrous oxide from small canisters.
- It’s therefore possible that whippets can kill brain cells, though no one knows how many.
- A vitamin B-12 deficiency also puts you at a higher risk.
- There are more severe nitrous oxide side effects if you use them a lot.
- As the nitrous oxide in whippets can cause hallucinations and other effects when abused, as well as adverse side effects, they are classed as a substance of abuse.
- Some states have specifically banned the sale of whippet crackers.
What are whippets? This potentially dangerous drug could be in your fridge right now
He then received weekly injections for one month and, going forward, will need lifelong monthly vitamin B12 repletion. Physical and occupational therapy are required as well. Importantly, mental health care services were also recommended to help with his substance use. Yes, Galaxy Gas is a brand that offers nitrous oxide dispensers intended for culinary purposes. As with whippets, Galaxy Gas has been abused for the high created by inhaling the nitrous oxide. They also offer a range of therapies designed to manage cravings, identify emotional triggers for substance abuse, and work through any co-occurring mental health issues that may be linked to substance abuse.
Do whippets have withdrawal symptoms?
Using whippets alongside other illegal drugs, like cannabis and harder substances, can lead to severe complications, including overdose and heart problems. Regular or heavy use of nitrous oxide can lead to symptoms such as anxiety, depression, hallucinations, and paranoia. These effects can significantly impact mental health and may persist even after stopping use. While nitrous oxide misuse or using whippets or other inhalants can be dangerous and even deadly, treatment is available for people who want to quit but are having a hard time doing so.
This happens because your brain likes the high from nitrous oxide. These highs change your brain’s reward center and make you crave it more. Don’t use several whippets in a row without taking breaths in between. Lack of oxygen can cause hypoxia, which can damage your brain and body. Abusing inhalants like whippets over time can cause significant damage, particularly to your muscles, kidneys and liver.
Yes, whippets can be addictive, though the addiction is typically psychological rather than physical. Edmund has an extensive background in addiction research and medical writing, working collaboratively with doctors, substance use disorder specialists, and clinical experts across all content on Recovered. Galaxy Gas has blown up in popularity on social media platforms like TikTok and X, sparking health concerns for young people accross the country. Read our blog to find out more about Galaxy Gas and teen abuse.
How Whippets Works in the Brain and Body
Instead, talk to a parent or a grown-up you trust if you think you may be addicted to them. If you use whippets during pregnancy, they can also lead to birth defects. So many users “huff,” or is salvia deadly sniff, the fumes over and over after their first high.
Whippets Addiction
Beyond the potential hypoxia and asphyxiation, vitamin B-12 deficiency, and elevated list of foods that contain alcohol homocysteine levels, huffing nitrous oxide can have other negative effects. Whippets aren’t physically addictive, in the sense that they don’t affect hormones such as dopamine and alter brain chemistry. But you can develop a psychological addiction to them.
Retrieved November 30, 2020, from National Institutes of Health. Remember, too, that the definition of addiction is continuing to use despite experiencing serious negative consequences. A brief look through the list provided here should be enough evidence of negative consequences to help you make the decision to act now. A vitamin B-12 deficiency also puts you at a higher salvia trip explained risk.
If you’ve ever been curious about whippets, their legality, their risks, or how to use them safely, read on for our full guide to the drug. All over TikTok, teens are getting high on nitrous oxide by misusing dispensers by the company Galaxy Gas intended for culinary appliances. Celebrities like SZA have spoken out in concern about the trend, expressing similar concerns to those brought up about the marketing of vapes and other electronic cigarettes to children. If you have been using whippets, the best thing to do is to stop. If you need help doing so, a qualified addiction treatment center can provide you with a supportive, clinical environment in which to heal. Combining nitrous oxide with alcohol ups the risks of both substances.