Whippets are a form of inhalant abuse that involves inhaling nitrous oxide from small canisters. Nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, is a colorless, odorless gas that has been used as an anesthetic and a recreational drug for centuries. Whippets are also called whippits, whip-its, or nos, and they get their name from whipped cream chargers that contain nitrous oxide. In this article, we will discuss how do People use Whippets, what are the risks of whippet abuse, and many more things.
How Do People Use Whippets?
People who use whippets typically inhale the gas from a balloon, a mask, or a bag that covers their mouth and nose. Some people also crack open the canisters and inhale the gas directly, which can be very dangerous. Whippets produce a short-lived high that lasts for a few seconds to a few minutes. During this high, users experience euphoria, relaxation, floating sensations, and mild hallucinations. Some people also experience laughter, hence the name laughing gas.
What Are the Risks of Whippet Abuse?
Whippet abuse can have serious short-term and long-term consequences for physical and mental health. For instance, some of the short-term effects of whippet abuse include:
- Loss of coordination
- Blurred vision
- Impaired judgment
- Giddiness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Confusion
Some of the long-term effects of whippet abuse include:
- Brain damage
- Nerve damage
- Lung damage
- Heart problems
- Liver and kidney problems
- Bone marrow suppression
- Anemia
- Vitamin B12 deficiency
- Memory loss
- Depression
- Psychosis
Whippet abuse can also be fatal in some cases. Inhaling nitrous oxide can cause hypoxia, which is a lack of oxygen in the brain and body. As a result, hypoxia can lead to coma, seizures, brain damage, and death. Whippet abuse can also cause frostbite, burns, or explosions if the canisters are mishandled or heated.
Who Uses Whippets?
Whippets are one of the most commonly abused inhalants among teens and young adults in the US. According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), about 12 million Americans have tried whippets at least once in their lifetime. Whippets are easy to obtain, cheap, and legal to buy for non-medical purposes. They are also often perceived as harmless or safe by users who are unaware of the risks.
How Can Whippet Addiction Be Treated?
Whippet addiction is a serious condition that requires professional help. Whippets are not physically addictive, but they can cause psychological dependence and cravings. People who abuse whippets may also have underlying mental health issues or co-occurring substance use disorders that need to be addressed.
Treatment for whippet addiction may include:
- Detoxification: This is the process of removing the drug from the body and managing withdrawal symptoms. Whippet withdrawal may include anxiety, irritability, insomnia, depression, and cravings.
- Next, behavioral therapy: This is a type of counseling that helps people change their thoughts and behaviors related to drug use. Therapy can also help people cope with stress, trauma, emotions, and triggers that may lead to relapse.
- Additionally, medication: doctors may prescribe some drugs to treat co-occurring conditions or symptoms of whippet addiction, but no specific medications exist. For example, antidepressants may help with depression or anxiety that whippet abuse may cause.
- Furthermore, support groups: These are groups of people who share similar experiences with addiction and recovery. Support groups can provide peer support, encouragement, advice, and accountability for people who are trying to quit whippets.
- Finally, aftercare: This is the ongoing care that helps people maintain their sobriety and prevent relapse after completing treatment. Aftercare may include follow-up appointments, therapy sessions, support groups, or sober living facilities.
Conclusion
Whippets are a dangerous form of inhalant abuse that can cause serious harm to the brain and body. Whippets are not harmless or safe; they can cause addiction, overdose, and death. If you or someone you know is struggling with whippet abuse or addiction, seek help as soon as possible. There are effective treatments available that can help you recover and live a healthy life.