Trends in substance abuse can shift from year to year or decade to decade. Occasionally, substances that were once widely used see a resurgence in popularity. This is the case today with poppers, a category of inhalants not intended for human consumption. While, technically, one cannot become addicted to poppers, their use can still lead to issues commonly associated with addiction.
If you or a loved one struggle with what feels like poppers addiction—or any sort of stimulant abuse—contact The Right Step online or call 17135283709 to learn more about how our drug detox or substance abuse treatment programs can help pave the path to complete recovery and sobriety.
What Are Poppers?
“Poppers” is a slang term for amyl nitrite, which comes in liquid form. When exposed to air, it produces vapors that can be inhaled. Inside the body, these vapors act as vasodilators, widening blood vessels and increasing blood flow. This can make you feel giddy or lightheaded, similar to extreme drunkenness, but the effects last only seconds or minutes.
There is no law in the U.S. against buying or selling poppers. However, they’re not designed for human consumption. The use of poppers for this purpose is illegal. For that reason, poppers meant for human use are sometimes intentionally mislabeled as various kinds of household products.
What’s the Connection Between Poppers and Addiction?
The common view of substance addiction often doesn’t match current scientific understanding. In the U.S., addiction is part of a broader condition known as substance use disorder (SUD), which has specific criteria for diagnosis. These criteria must be met to officially label someone as addicted. Based on this definition, poppers addiction does not actually exist. However, the use of amyl nitrite can produce specific problems that are strongly associated with addiction, such as:
- Feeling unable to control your use of poppers
- Continuing to use them despite negative consequences
- Developing a rising tolerance and needing more of the substance to feel its effects
- Developing a psychological dependence on the substance
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when trying to stop using the substance
These factors can create a cycle of dependence and compulsive use, leading to serious physical and psychological consequences. Increased tolerance means you need to use more amyl nitrite over time to feel its effects. Psychological dependence can make you feel emotionally compelled to keep using poppers. While these are not strict dangers of poppers addiction, they closely mimic the risks of addiction.
What Are the Health Risks of Consuming Amyl Nitrite?
There is no such thing as a safe dose of amyl nitrite. That’s true whether or not you’re concerned about the dangers of poppers addiction.
Short-Term Effects
The list of health problems linked to even short-term use of nitrite products includes:
- Intense headaches
- Nausea
- Nosebleeds
- Irritation in the lining of your throat
- Blistered or burned tissue inside your nose or mouth
- Faintness or actual loss of consciousness
- Slowed heart and breathing rates
It is crucial to approach this substance with caution and seek professional guidance if you or someone you know is struggling with its effects.
Long-Term Effects
If you keep using poppers long-term, other problems may emerge. Potential issues include such things as:
- Sores in your mouth or nose
- Unhealthy weight loss
- A reduced sense of smell
- Problems thinking clearly
- Impaired lung function
- Potentially dangerous increases in eye pressure
Chronic use of poppers may also trigger anemia. This is the term for lack of adequate red blood cells in your system.
Connect with The Right Step and Overcome Poppers Misuse and Addiction in Texas
Want to learn about addiction-like symptoms in people who use poppers? Talk to the caring professionals at The Right Step. We can clarify the potential dangers of using amyl nitrite products.
Need help stopping your use of poppers? The Right Step is here for you with customized services to support your recovery from psychological dependence on amyl nitrite. For more information on getting started, contact our team online or call 17135283709 today.
