Whippets Drug: The Dangers of NO2 Inhalants

When you think of addictive and harmful drugs, whippets may not be high on the list — but they’re actually one of the most widely abused drugs in the world.

These small metal canisters, often found in whipped cream dispensers and used for medical procedures, have long been used recreationally by teenagers for its accessibility and the euphoric high produced by nitrous oxide. But laughing gas can be incredibly harmful, especially when used recreationally, and knowing the risks is key for preventing psychological addiction and deadly consequences.

“Whippets” is slang for nitrous oxide misuse. When inhaled through a small canister or whipped cream dispenser, nitrous oxide can produce a short-lived euphoric high. It has many legitimate uses as an anesthetic and analgesic, in food preparation and processing, and in motorsports, but is also inhaled recreationally as a party drug. The term “whippets” comes from the small canisters of nitrous oxide used in whipped cream dispensers.

Other Slang Terms for Nitrous Oxide

• Whippits

• Whip-its

• Laughing gas

• Nitro

• Nitrous

• NOS

• N20

• Nangs

• Buzz bomb

• Hippy crack

• Nossies

• Balloons

• Galaxy Gas

Galaxy Gas is a brand name for nitrous oxide canisters marketed with colorful designs and flavors, such as mango smoothie, blue raspberry, and vanilla cupcake. Originally intended for culinary use in whipped cream dispensers, it has recently gained popularity on social media for recreational use, where people inhale the gas to experience a brief high. Unlike traditional whippets, which are plain nitrous oxide canisters, Galaxy Gas products often have appealing packaging and flavors that may attract younger users. The brand name has also become a slang term for nitrous oxide itself, especially in the context of recreational use.

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Whippets are abused by inhaling gas directly from small nitrous oxide canisters, store-bought whipped cream cans, the chargers within whipped cream dispensers, or through a balloon filled with N20. Some people may also use professional equipment to inhale nitrous oxide from large canisters.

Nitrous oxide also has several legitimate uses. Doctors and dentists use it as a mild anesthetic and pain reliever to keep patients relaxed and reduce pain during procedures. In the culinary world, it’s used in whipped cream dispensers to make the cream light and fluffy. Car enthusiasts also use nitrogen oxide, often called NOS, to make their engines more powerful by injecting it into the engine. This allows the car to burn more fuel and produce more power, which results in higher speeds.

Whippets, or nitrous oxide, are legal when used for medical purposes, in whipped cream dispensers in the kitchen, and for automotive performance. However, since it’s not regulated by the DEA and is extremely easy to obtain in the form of canned whipped cream, it’s a popular drug of choice for under-aged teens. Only whipped cream chargers are restricted for underaged purchase.

Using whippets recreationally to get high by inhaling the gas is illegal. If police officers catch someone using it this way, it can result in an arrest. Minors can also face legal trouble for using a fake ID to buy it, and driving under the influence of whippets can lead to DUI charges.

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Yes, abusing whippets can have fatal consequences. Inhaling nitrous oxide can cut off oxygen supply to your brain, leading to asphyxiation and death. If it doesn’t kill you, the lack of oxygen can cause permanent damage to your brain, nerve health, organs, and even lead to hearing loss.

What Do Whippets Feel Like?

Whippets create a quick and intense feeling of happiness and relaxation. People often feel lightheaded, tingly, and as if they’re floating. Some users also experience changes in what they hear and see.

How Long Do the Effects of Whippets Last?

The effects of whippets last only a few minutes, and kick in within 10 seconds or so. Since these effects are so short-lived, people often use them repeatedly in a short period to try to maintain the high. This repeated use can increase the risk of negative side effects and health issues.

Whippet Side Effects

Using whippets can lead to a range of side effects, both short-term and long-term. Short-term effects include dizziness, nausea, headaches, and impaired motor coordination, which can increase the risk of accidents.

Long-term use can result in severe health issues such as vitamin B12 deficiency, nerve damage, and potential brain damage due to prolonged oxygen deprivation. Chronic use may also lead to psychological dependence and other mental health issues. Prolonged whippet use can also cause:

• Muscle weakness and atrophy

• Liver damage

• Kidney damage or failure

• Hearing loss

• Heart problems

• Loss of coordination

• Persistent ringing in the ears (tinnitus)

• Behavioral changes and mood disorders

• Increased risk of accidents and injuries due to impaired motor skills

• Vision problems

• Bone marrow damage

• Anemia

• Tingling and numbness of extremities

• Harm to fetal development

What Does Nitrous Oxide Do to Your Brain?

Nitrous oxide affects the brain by slowing down its activity, leading to a state of euphoria and relaxation. It interferes with the brain’s ability to process oxygen, which can cause temporary feelings of lightheadedness and disorientation. Prolonged or heavy use can result in more serious neurological effects, including memory loss, cognitive impairments, and nerve damage. The gas can also disrupt the balance of neurotransmitters, potentially leading to long-term mental health issues.

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Are Whippets Addictive?

Whippets are highly addictive, just not in the same way as drugs like opioids or alcohol. They don’t cause a physical addiction, since they don’t impact your brain chemistry. Rather, the euphoric high can lead to a psychological addiction and the cravings that follow.

Whippet Overdose

A whippets overdose can lead to unconsciousness, an irregular heartbeat, seizures, and even death. This happens because inhaling too much nitrous oxide cuts off the oxygen supply to your brain and body. If someone is experiencing these symptoms, seek emergency medical attention immediately to ensure their safety and avoid any fatal outcomes.

If you’re worried that someone you know is abusing whippets, there are some signs to watch out for, including:

• Chemical Breath: Their breath smells strange, like chemicals.

• Walking Problems: Difficulty walking or stumbling.

• Frequent Absences: They miss a lot of school or work.

• Mood Swings: They become easily irritated or moody.

• Mouth Sores: Red spots or sores around their mouth.

• Chronic Headaches: They often complain about having headaches.

• Dazed or Dizzy: They seem confused or unsteady, like they’re drunk.

• Drug Items: Finding empty metal cylinders, balloons, or other drug-related items.

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If you or someone you know is dealing with whippet misuse and addiction, there are several treatment options to consider. First, detoxification can help your body safely eliminate the substance under medical care. Behavioral therapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can also help you understand and change the behaviors linked to misuse.

Formal treatment options include inpatient programs that offer intensive support, as well as outpatient programs that let you attend school, work, and live at home while attending treatment sessions. You could also benefit from vitamin B12 supplements to address any deficiencies caused by long-term nitrous oxide use.

To wrap it up, whippets, or nitrous oxide, are commonly misused despite their legitimate uses in medicine, food preparation, and automotive performance. The rise of Galaxy Gas has made these substances even more appealing, especially to younger users, raising concerns about this already concerning form of abuse.

As we mentioned, whippets carries significant risks, including short-term side effects like dizziness and nausea, and long-term health effects such as nerve damage and hearing loss. Overdose can also lead to severe consequences, including death. Signs of abuse include chemical breath, mood swings, and frequent absences.

While whippets aren’t physically addictive like opioids or alcohol, they can be highly psychologically addictive. Treatment options for addiction include detoxification, behavioral therapies, vitamin B12 supplements, and both inpatient and outpatient programs.

If you or a loved one is struggling with whippet addiction, know that help is available. At The Edge Treatment Center, we can provide the necessary support and care to help you recover from inhalant abuse and addiction, from a range of therapies to our team of trained treatment professionals.

If you or a loved one are struggling, give us a call. We’ll help you get to the root of your addiction and leave whippets in the past, so that you can put your health first.

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If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, there is hope. Our team can guide you on your journey to recovery. Call us today.

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