Inhalants are a type of addictive chemical people ingest by breathing it in. Many inhalants cause mind-altering and physical side effects people find pleasurable. However, using inhalants can cause serious short and long-term health problems. In some cases, inhalant abuse can be life-threatening. 

Poppers are a type of inhalant people abuse. It is legal to buy and own poppers in the United States, but they have the potential for severe risks.

This article will explore what poppers are and how they work. You will learn:

• The effects and risks of poppers
• The legal status of poppers
• How to recognize popper abuse
• Where to find substance abuse treatment or recovery support

If you or someone you love struggles with substance abuse, you are not alone. Contact the specialists at Moving Mountains Recovery to learn about our treatment programs or to schedule an intake assessment. 

What are Poppers?

Poppers are small bottles containing liquid nitrates. To use them, people open the container and breathe in the fumes. Breathing these chemicals can produce a quick “high” that lasts just a few minutes. People typically use poppers in social situations or to enhance sexual experiences. 

Poppers contain various types of alkyl nitrates, including:

• Isopropyl nitrite
• Isobutyl nitrite
• Butyl nitrite
• Pentyl nitrite
• Amyl nitrite
• Alkyl nitrite

The chemicals inside poppers are similar to a prescription drug called amyl nitrite, which comes in glass capsules and is used to treat chest pain. However, poppers are unregulated. It is nearly impossible to know what chemicals are in poppers. 

Because the FDA does not oversee the production or sale of poppers, it is possible that they may contain other chemicals that could be dangerous. Sometimes, poppers contain chemicals that can cause burns, rashes, and other skin damage. 

The Side Effects of Poppers

When someone inhales the vapors from a popper, the nitrates reach the bloodstream quickly. The chemicals relax the blood vessels. They cause the muscles to relax and blood pressure to drop. At the same time, the heart rate speeds up. This can create effects that include:

• Euphoria
• Lightheadedness
• Warmth

People may experience a quick burst of excitement. People may use poppers to enhance sexual activity because they relax the muscles and may allow for more comfortable or pleasurable sex. 

The effects of poppers last just a few minutes. Because the effects are short-lived, people may use poppers over and over again within a short timeframe. Repeated use of poppers can lead to dangerous drops in blood pressure and other effects. People can lose consciousness or even die.

The Risks of Abusing Poppers

People may experience a range of side effects while using poppers, including:

• Severe headaches
• Breathing problems
• Fainting
• Skin damage (burns, rashes, etc.)
• Seizures
• Eye damage
• Dizziness
• Elevated body temperature
• Irregular heartbeat
• Coma 
• Death

Research shows that using poppers may cause a serious health condition called methemoglobinemia (MetHb). This condition prevents the red blood cells from transporting oxygen and can be fatal without treatment. 

People who use poppers may also be more likely to take risks, including having unprotected sex. This may increase the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and other harm.

Combining poppers with prescription drugs, including blood pressure and erectile dysfunction medications, can lead to cardiovascular damage. People who combine poppers and some prescription drugs may have a much higher risk of heart attack, stroke, and death.

Are Poppers Illegal?

In short, poppers are legal to sell and own in the United States. However, retailers can only sell them under another name and for other purposes, and ingesting them is illegal. 

Poppers may be available in adult novelty stores and other retail locations for other purposes, including:

• Leather cleaners
• Air fresheners
• Liquid incense
• Nail polish removers
• VCR head cleaner

They may have names like:

• Liquid Gold
• Locker Room
• Super Rush
• Iron Horse
• Jungle Juice

While the FDA does not regulate poppers, it has issued strong warnings about these products and advises people to avoid using them. 

Recognizing Popper Abuse

Inhalant use disorder is a serious condition that requires comprehensive treatment. People who abuse inhalants, including poppers, face a higher risk of severe medical complications and death. 

Recognizing inhalant abuse is the first step toward getting help. Some signs of inhalant abuse include:

• Changes in behavior
• Isolation or a sudden change in socialization
• Neglected hygiene
• Runny nose
• Nosebleeds
• Decreased appetite
• Weight loss
• Problems with concentration
• Depression
• Rash or ulcers around the nose and mouth
• Irritability
• Confusion
• Paranoia

Inhalant abuse is most common among adolescents and young adults. Poppers have been popular in the queer community for over 50 years because they can enhance sexual activity. However, anyone can use inhalants or poppers, and it is essential to seek treatment as soon as you recognize the signs of abuse. 

Get Substance Abuse Treatment

If you or someone you love abuses poppers or other inhalants, seek treatment right away. Find the compassionate, effective treatment you need at Moving Mountains Recovery. Contact our intake specialists with questions or to schedule an intake appointment.