When you hear the word “poppers,” you might have a tendency to think about bite-sized popcorn shrimp or deep-friend jalapeno peppers wrapped in molten cheese. However, an alternative form of “poppers” isn’t your typical comfort food, instead, it is a drug. In fact, these substances are far from comforting. Derived from a variety of chemicals (including amyl nitrate), the “poppers” in question are a string of inhalants (deadly drugs derived from household chemicals) that first gained popularity for releasing an overwhelmingly potent high that lasts for about a couple seconds. Receiving mixed reviews from hardcore drug users, we can all agree that an inhalant stemming from a former heart medication is nothing short of toxic. Let’s take a closer look at what you need to know about “poppers.”
From Heart Medication to Abused Drug
Originally, “poppers” became popular (no pun intended) in the 1960s, when amyl nitrate was initially sold as a drug for heart patients. Ultimately, the name “popper” stems from the fact that people originally had to break open capsules to release the medication. This Resulting in a “snapping” or “popping” sound. Although it is rarely used to treat heart problems nowadays, poppers are notoriously cheap. As a result, are frequently abused. Popular in clubs and parties, these drugs are often used as substitutes to other hardcore substances like LSD or ecstasy.
Insane Emotional and Physical Rush
Poppers are considered a combination of methamphetamine and ecstasy. Especially in terms of the drugs’ ability to warp physical and emotional sensations. Poppers are a form of vasodilators, meaning they open up blood vessels and decrease blood pressure. This results in a wave of dizziness and wooziness. Likewise, these drugs will also stimulate tachycardia (rapid heartbeat). They can also induce particularly disturbing bouts of sexual activity and libido.
In fact, scientists have reported (on several occasions) that these drugs are the equivalent of the date rape drug for gay men, as poppers are a popular substance among this subculture. Given the fact that the drug relaxes muscles (all muscles) and causes wooziness, you can understand why these men are in a particularly dangerous position.
Seeking Treatment for Inhalant Addiction or Abuse
Always remember that drugs do not have control over your life. You do. Are you suffering from a substance use disorder or a severe form of addiction? Do you have a friend or family member suffering from one or more of these debilitating illnesses? If you do, get in touch with Asana Recovery today. Our counselors and healthcare experts are ready to walk you through every step. Our detox withdrawal process and rehabilitation will guide you towards living a happier lifestyle. While the road to recovery might not be an easy road to travel, we promise to help you every step of the way. Take the first step to stay fit, healthy, and safe.
The time for you to take back control of your life is now. If you are interested in one of our residential treatment or supervised detoxification/withdrawal programs, we are ready and waiting to speak with you at your disclosure. Call Asana now at (949) 438-4504 to learn how to overcome your drug abuse or addiction troubles today.
FAQs
Substance use disorder is common. Over 20 million people in the United States have at least one SUD. About 20% of people in the U.S. who have depression or an anxiety disorder also have a substance use disorder.
What are the statistics for mental health and substance abuse? ›
13.5 percent of young adults aged 18 to 25 had both a substance use disorder and any mental illness in the past year. Nearly 1 in 3 adults had either a substance use disorder or any mental illness in the past year, and 46 percent of young adults 18-25 had either a substance use disorder or any mental illness.
What is the prevalence of substance use disorders worldwide? ›
About 296 million people aged 15-64 had used psychoactive drugs in 2021 and about 39.5 million people are estimated to be affected by drug use disorders (harmful pattern of drug use or drug dependence).
What is the prevalence of substance abuse in adolescence? ›
21.3% of 8th graders have tried illicit drugs at least once. By the time they're in 12th grade, 46.6% of teens have tried illicit drugs. 11.89 million 18- to 25-year-olds used drugs in the last month. 4,777 Americans aged 15 to 24 years old died of an overdose of illicit drugs in one year.
What is the most severe form of a substance use disorder? ›
Substance use disorder (SUD) is a treatable mental disorder that affects a person's brain and behavior, leading to their inability to control their use of substances like legal or illegal drugs, alcohol, or medications. Symptoms can be moderate to severe, with addiction being the most severe form of SUD.
What is the most common type of substance use disorder? ›
Or the misuse of legal substances, such as alcohol, nicotine, or prescription medicines. Alcohol is the most common legal drug associated with substance use disorder.
What mental health disorder has the highest rate of substance use disorder? ›
Patients with schizophrenia have higher rates of alcohol, tobacco, and drug use disorders than the general population.
How many addicts have dual diagnosis? ›
Researchers have found 50% of people who experience a substance use disorder during their lives will also have a mental health disorder and vice versa.
What might be the fastest growing drug problem in the United States? ›
Prescription drug abuse is the Nation's fastest-growing drug problem and has been classified as an epidemic by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
How many Americans live with a substance use disorder? ›
According to the 2022 United States National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH): 46.8 million (16.7%) Americans (aged 12 and older) battled a substance use disorder in the past year.
According to data from the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Survey on Drug Use and Health, "approximately 70 percent of all adults with an alcohol or illicit drug use disorder are employed.
What is the lifetime prevalence of substance use disorders? ›
Recent findings from several studies of nationally representative samples of the U.S. reveal that the lifetime prevalence of alcohol use disorders is approximately 8%, and illicit drug use disorders is 2–3% (Merikangas et al.
What are the 5 refusal skills for drugs? ›
What Are Drug Refusal Skills?
- Explain Your Refusal.
- Stay Persistent.
- Use Proper Body Language.
- Try to Redirect the Situation.
- Leave the Situation.
Risk Factors for High-Risk Substance Use
Family history of substance use. Favorable parental attitudes towards the behavior. Poor parental monitoring. Parental substance use.
Which substance is abused most by the adolescent population? ›
Adolescents use alcohol more than any other drug, including tobacco and marijuana.
What percent of American adults have a substance abuse problem? ›
Over 46 million Americans aged 12 and older had a substance use disorder in 2021, 16.5% of the population, only 6% of whom received treatment, according to the latest National Survey of Drug Use and Health.
How common is substance induced psychotic disorder? ›
About 3 in every 100 people will experience at least one episode of psychosis in their lifetimes. Drug-induced psychosis, also known as substance-induced psychotic disorder, is simply any psychotic episode that is related to the abuse of an intoxicant.
