Whippets are inhalants containing nitrous oxide. This inhalant drug is widely available in everyday household products, including keyboard cleaners, whipped cream dispensers, and other aerosols.
Dental and medical professionals may use nitrous oxide to provide sedation or relaxation during procedures. However, misusing nitrous oxide can have dangerous effects on people’s mental and physical health.
This article will explore the effects and risks of whippet abuse. You will learn:
- What whippets are
- The effects and dangers of whippets
- The potential for whippet addiction
- The dangers of mixing whippets and other substances
- How to prevent whippet abuse
- Where to find substance abuse treatment
If you or someone you love abuses whippets or other addictive substances, you are not alone. Reach out to The Living Room specialists to learn about our treatment programs. Contact us with questions or to schedule an intake appointment.
An Overview of Whippets
Whippets is a slang term for nitrous oxide. People sometimes call nitrous oxide “laughing gas” because it can make people feel less anxious or giddy. Other slang terms for nitrous oxide include:
- Hippie crack
- Balloons
- Nangs
- Nossies
- Nitro
Nitrous oxide is a flavorless, odorless gas. People may inhale the gas from balloons filled with nitrous oxide, whipped cream chargers, or other containers.
The side effects of whippets are short-lived. People may “huff” nitrous oxide (inhale it over and over) after an initial high.
A 2022 Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality survey asked about whippet abuse. The survey showed that nearly 14 million people over the age of 12 had misused nitrous oxide. This number dramatically increased from the year before, when just 1 million people reported using whippets.
Whippet abuse can have serious short and long-term health effects. It is important to be aware of the risk of whippet abuse and seek treatment as soon as you recognize a problem.
Side Effects of Whippets
Some users report that the side effects of whippets are similar to those of alcohol. People may experience:
- Intense happiness or excitement
- A feeling of being separate from your body
- Decreased perception of pain and other sensations
- Visual or auditory hallucinations (this is more common when people combine whippets with other substances)
People may also feel nauseous, weak, or have other unwanted side effects while using whippets. Weight, age, health, and other substances consumed can affect the side effects people experience while using this recreational drug.
Short-Term Dangers of Whippets
Researchers are unsure exactly how nitrous oxide affects the body. Medical experts agree that it is safe for use in a highly controlled medical setting.
When people use nitrous oxide in a medical setting, they also receive oxygen, which can “dilute” the gas’s effects. When people abuse it, they typically inhale an undiluted form of nitrous oxide, which can be dangerous.
Short-term effects of whippet abuse include:
- Emotional dysregulation
- Fainting
- Irregular heartbeat
- Slurred speech
- Blurry vision
- Tingling sensations
- Weakness in the limbs
- Delusions
- Nausea and vomiting
- Headaches
People who use whippets frequently may develop long-term effects, including psychological addiction and brain damage.
Long-Term Dangers of Whippets
Some people believe that whippet abuse is harmless because retailers sell everyday products containing nitrous oxide. However, nitrous oxide abuse can have serious long-term health effects. The long-term effects of whippet abuse include:
- Muscle loss from vitamin B12 deficiency
- Liver, kidney, and other organ damage
- Brain damage
- A loss of coordination
- Depression
- Psychosis
- Ringing or buzzing in the ears
- Bone marrow damage
- Heart rate changes
- Decreased blood pressure
- Breathing trouble and lack of oxygen
- Hearing loss
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
- Spinal cord damage
Research also suggests that whippet abuse during pregnancy may cause congenital disabilities.
Can You Get Addicted to Whippets?
Nitrous oxide does not affect dopamine or other brain chemicals in the way other addictive drugs do. It is not possible to develop physical dependence or addiction to whippets.
However, people who frequently abuse whippets may develop psychological addiction. People with psychological addiction to whippets may not be able to stop using this dangerous inhalant without professional treatment and support.
Signs of Whippet Abuse
Recognizing the signs of whippet abuse can help you get treatment as quickly as possible. Some signs of whippet abuse include:
- Missing work or school
- Chronic headaches
- Changes in mood or behavior, including acting drunk, dazed, or dizzy
- Difficulty walking
- A chemical smell on their breath
- A rash around their mouth (“huffer’s rash”)
You may also notice empty nitrous oxide containers or balloons in their living spaces. People with whippet addiction require immediate, comprehensive treatment to avoid serious side effects or complications.
Teens and young adults are the most likely to use whippets. Parents, educators, and other community members must learn about the risks of whippets. Learning how to identify the signs of whippet abuse can help people connect others with treatment when needed.
Reach out to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) for more information about whippet abuse. You may also contact the team at The Living Room to learn about substance use disorder (SUD) treatment.
Find Substance Abuse Treatment
If you or someone you love struggles with whippet abuse or other substance abuse, you are not alone. Comprehensive treatment is available at The Living Room. Reach out to our specialists to learn more about our programs or schedule an intake assessment.
References:
- Yale School of Medicine: Nitrous Oxide Effects Are Reversible With Early Treatment
- Psychiatry Online: Let’s “Whippit” Away: Nitrous Oxide Misuse and Its Complications
- National Institute of Health (NIH): Nitrous Oxide