Whippets: The Realities and Risks of Nitrous Oxide
What are whippets, anyway? Many people are asking the same question lately, especially with the recent passing of Aaron Carter and Tony Hsieh. This recreational drug has become increasingly popular in the US lately, especially with younger adults and those on some form of drug testing.
While it may seem harmless, or a ‘laughing matter,’ the reality is that nitrous can cause lasting, permanent damage to your brain and body, especially due to vitamin B12 deficiency.
South Shores Detox and Recovery is a drug and alcohol addiction treatment center giving people a fresh chance for recovery from nitrous and substances of all kinds. We give our clients a safe and supportive environment to heal from substance abuse.
Keep reading to learn more about our programs to help you or your loved one beat nitrous oxide addiction!
Alarming Statistics About Nitrous Oxide Abuse
Nitrous oxide abuse has become increasingly prevalent in recent years, particularly among young people. National Survey on Drug Use and Health data reveals that an estimated 1.3 million Americans aged 12 and older used nitrous oxide gas (laughing gas) for non-medical purposes in 2020.
This number represents a significant increase from previous years. It demonstrates the need for increased awareness and access to effective treatment options.
In addition to the rising rates of nitrous oxide abuse, there has also been an increase in emergency department visits and hospitalizations related to the drug. According to one Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) report, there were over 13,000 emergency department visits from nitrous oxide abuse in 2020. This data underscores the potentially life-threatening consequences of nitrous oxide abuse and the need for professional help for addiction.
Young Adults Are Especially at Risk of Whippit Abuse
A young demographic often finds the appeal of whippets tempting. That’s because they are accessible and affordable. But recreational use can make people more likely to experiment with other illegal drugs.
Loved ones may miss the signs of whippet abuse in teens or young adults. That’s because the paraphernalia is not always obvious. Unlike other drugs, heroin or cocaine, to use whippets requires small canisters, cartridges, and balloons. Unlike spoons and lighters, these items may not raise red flags.
In addition, because whippets require everyday items, such as whipped cream dispensers and cooking canisters, it can be easy for young people to obtain and abuse them without drawing attention to their behavior. That makes it all the more important for parents and loved ones to know the signs of whippet use. It also informs the need to monitor their loved one’s behavior and activities.
Some signs of whippet abuse to watch for may include:
- Discarded balloons or plastic bags
- Unusual mood swings or behavior changes
- Disorientation or confusion; dissociative effects
- Slurred speech
- Large numbers of empty or partially used whipped cream chargers or canisters
Do you suspect that your loved one may be abusing whippets? Stay aware. It is crucial to seek professional help if they inhale nitrous oxide. At South Shores, we offer a range of evidence-based treatments and support services to help overcome addiction and have a fresh start. Our experienced care providers will help you beat this addiction.
What are Whippets?
Whippets, known as whip-its, are small canisters filled with nitrous oxide (N2O) typically used to power whipped cream dispensers. When inhaled, nitrous oxide produces a short-lived high that can cause euphoria, relaxation, and lightheadedness.
While whippets are legal to possess and use, some use them for their intoxicating effects.
Whippets: Become Familiar with Nitrous Oxide
Nitrous oxide is an easily accessible, colorless, odorless gas used as an anesthetic since the 1800s. You probably know it as laughing gas at the dentist.
It is also commonly used in the food industry to create whipped cream and in automotive repair shops to improve engine performance. While nitrous oxide is generally safe for general, it can be dangerous when ingested improperly.
However improper use, when someone uses nitrous oxide from whipped cream dispensers, can be a gateway to other abused drugs.
Nitrous Oxide Addiction: A Drug Abuse Recovery Story
Tyler was always a straight-A student, excelling in his studies and committed to his goals. But things started to change when he experienced a minor injury in his first year of college. A friend suggested that he try nitrous oxide to help dull the discomfort, and Tyler found that he enjoyed the temporary numbing that the drug provided.
Although his injury had healed, Tyler continued to use nitrous oxide as a recreational drug, gradually increasing the frequency and amount of his use. He enjoyed the calming effect that helped him transition from home to the dorm. One day, he pushed things too far, cutting off his oxygen supply. He passed out. Awakening in the hospital, he felt shame and regret. The college had called his parents to come to see him from three hours away.
Determined to turn his life around, Tyler arranged with his Dean to attend the rest of the semester online and got professional help at South Shores Detox and Recovery. With the support of his family and the team at the treatment center, Tyler overcame his addiction to nitrous oxide and began rebuilding his life.
Today, Tyler is a senior in college, ready to graduate with honors. He has been accepted into a Master’s program in Behavioral Health and is committed to becoming an addiction specialist.
How Long Do Whippets Stay in Your System?
The euphoric effects of whippets typically last for a few minutes, but the drug can remain in the body for several hours. The time that whippets stay in your system depends on many factors, including the dosage, frequency of use, and individual metabolism.
Whippits, Whippets, Whip-Its: All the Same
Whippets, whippits, and whip-its are all slang terms used to describe nitrous oxide abuse. While the spelling may vary, the effects and dangers associated with their use remain the same.
Another slang term to know is hippy crack. That term also refers to inhaling nitrous oxide from a whipped cream charger, balloon, or full tank of nitrous.
What are the Side Effects of Whippet Drug Abuse?
Short-term side effects when people abuse nitrous oxide:
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Loss of coordination
- Headaches
- Confusion
- Hallucinations
- Paranoia
Nitrous Oxide and its Pain-relieving Addictive Effects
Nitrous oxide has pain-relieving properties, making it an attractive option for those seeking fast pain relief. However, the drug’s addictive properties can quickly lead to substance abuse.
Three Ways Nitrous Oxide Is Abused
Nitrous oxide can be abused in several ways, including:
- Inhaling the gas directly from a canister ‘cracker’ or balloon
- Using nitrous oxide to enhance the effects of other drugs, like marijuana or alcohol
- Using nitrous oxide as a form of self-medication to manage pain or anxiety
Warning Signs That Someone May Be Abusing Whippets
If you are concerned that someone could be abusing whippets, some obvious signs to watch for include the following:
- Empty or partially used whipped cream cans or canisters
- Discarded balloons or even garbage bags
- Unusual mood swings or behavior changes
- Disorientation or confusion
- Slurred speech
- Runny nose
- Tingling or numbness in the hands, fingers, feet, or toes
- Shortness of breath or chest pain
These symptoms primarily stem from a lack of oxygen. If you think someone you know or love is abusing whippets, seeking help from medical professionals as soon as possible is essential.
Are Whippets Dangerous?
While whippets may seem harmless. So some aren’t aware of the danger. Nitrous oxide abuse can cause many short-term and long-term side effects, including:
- Respiratory depression
- Vitamin B12 deficiency that results in permanent damage
- Irreversible brain damage from lack of oxygen
- Nerve damage
- Organ damage
Nitrous Oxide Abuse Can Be Life-Threatening
In some cases, nitrous oxide abuse can be life-threatening. The drug can cause oxygen deprivation, leading to seizures, coma, and even death.
Long-Term Whippet Abuse Can Damage Organs
Long-term whippet abuse can cause damage to a range of organs, including the brain, lungs, liver, and kidneys. Abused inhalants can lead to chronic health problems and organ failure like most substances.
What are the Effects of Whippets?
In addition to the short-term side effects, long-term whippet abuse can cause various physical and mental health problems. The impacts of inhaling nitrous oxide may include:
- Brain damage
- Memory loss
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Paranoia
- Chronic headaches
- Seizures
- Psychosis
More Dangers Associated With a Whippet Addiction
Inhaling nitrous oxide can have many potential consequences beyond the physical and mental health effects. These may include the following:
- Financial problems
- Legal problems
- Relationship issues
- Social isolation
Where Do People Get Whippets?
Whippets are legal to purchase and possess. You’d find them at many retail stores and online. Some people may also obtain whippets from food service or catering businesses.
Whippits Are Addictive
Whippits can be addictive, and many people who use them develop a dependence on the drug. If you or a loved one actively struggles with whippet addiction, it is essential to seek professional help as soon as possible.
Presence of Empty or Partially Used Whipped Cream Chargers
If you notice many empty or partially used whipped cream cans, steel cartridges, or spray paint canisters in your loved one’s possession, this may be a sign of whippet abuse. It can also indicate misuse of other inhalant drugs.
Effective Treatments for Whippet Inhalant Abuse
At South Shores Recovery, we offer a range of evidence-based treatments and support services to help clients overcome inhalant abuse. These may include:
- Detoxification
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Group therapy
- Family therapy
- Vitamin B12
- Medication-assisted treatment (MAT)
- Aftercare and ongoing support
Whippet Abuse: Signs to Watch Out For
Some signs of whippet abuse to watch for include:
- Discarded balloons or plastic bags
- Unusual mood swings or behavior changes
- Disorientation or confusion
- Slurred speech
- Tingling or numbness in the hands, fingers, or feet
How to Treat Whippets Addiction?
Abusing nitrous oxide can be hard to break, as it seems like a harmless form of drug use, many people who don’t understand how addicting it can be.
But it is possible to stop doing inhalants with proper treatment and support. At South Shores Recovery, we offer customized treatment plans to meet each client’s unique needs.
How to Get Help if You Are Addicted to Whippets
If you are ready to overcome a whippet addiction, the first step to recovery is reaching out for help. At South Shores Recovery, our experienced professionals will support you every step of the way.
How to Help a Loved One with Whippet Addiction
If you worry that a loved one may be struggling with abusing substances, there are several things you can do to help. These may include:
- Having a frank talk with your loved one
- Expressing your concern and offering your support
- Encouraging your loved one to get help from a professional
- Educating yourself about addiction and treatment options
- Setting boundaries and seeking support for yourself as well
Individualized Treatment Plans for Substance Abuse
At South Shores Recovery, we believe every client deserves individualized care that meets your loved one’s needs and circumstances. Our team of addiction experts works closely with each client to develop a highly individualized treatment plan to address their specific challenges and goals.
These options include individual counseling, group therapy, medications, vitamin B12 supplements, and aftercare.
We offer a holistic approach to care. We heal both the physical addiction and discover if any underlying conditions caused the nitrous oxide misuse. For instance, we determine if they abuse whippits for recreation or to reduce anxiety for brief moments.
We also uncover if they inhale nitrous oxide solely or with other drug abuse. Our medical professionals know the dangers of repeated use and the toll taken on brain function. We handle these compassionately–we’re a safe place to stop whippit abuse.
Our medical settings are well-equipped to treat the whole person, not just the substance use disorder. Our clients are equipped with the tools they need to thrive and know how to use them.
Professional Treatment for Abusing Nitrous Oxide Gas
While some people may attempt addiction recovery alone, professional treatment is often necessary for lasting recovery.
Our evidence-based treatments and support services help clients overcome addiction and build a fulfilling, sober life.
Let South Shores Recovery Help with Whippet Abuse
South Shores Detox and Recovery are committed to providing compassionate and effective care to those struggling with nitrous oxide addiction. Our team of experienced professionals offers many evidence-based treatments and support services designed to help clients achieve lasting recovery.
Do you want to overcome whippet abuse? Seek treatment today. Our team is available to take calls 24/7. Remember, recovery is possible. You have potential, and you are worth the effort. Make the confidential call now, and let’s start today!