WHAT ARE WHIPPITS AND THE DANGERS?

In this article, Can-Am would like to bring awareness of this unsuspecting drug and the many dangers it produces to us. Most often, whippets are available in containers of nitrous oxide gas. The persons abusing this drug will do it by inhalation to achieve their “high”. The most common types of containers are “whipped cream charger” canisters and medical gas tanks. But people who use nitrous to get high often transfer the gas into another container, like a bag or balloon. Inhaling nitrous can lead to a giddy, euphoric, floating feeling. This only lasts for a couple of minutes. The effects don’t last very long, so some people inhale the gas repeatedly. 

Inhaling nitrous oxide is very dangerous to our health affecting brain cells at a dramatic rate. 

Effects of nitrous can:

  • Make you feel dizzy and confused
  • Cause you to fall down or pass out, leading to injury
  • Cause you to behave recklessly or dangerously, due to loss of inhibition

Inhalation of the nitrous gas will deplete your body and brain of the oxygen that it needs for healthy function. This is called suffocation. You can lose consciousness, go into a coma, and even die. 

Nitrous can also have an effect on your physical health. 

Short-term effects include:

  • Nausea
  • Headache
  • Sudden heart failure
  • Seizure
  • Choking
  • Frost burn

Using nitrous oxide repeatedly can be especially bad for your health. 

Long-term effects include:

  • Liver and kidney damage
  • Bone marrow damage
  • Lung damage
  • Brain and nerve damage 
  • Coordination and movement problems
  • Hearing problems
  • Vision problems
  • Pregnancy problems, including permanent damage to your unborn baby 

Other dangerous methods of drug delivery to the system include putting nitrous-filled bags over your head, use of a gas mask and inhalation in an enclosed space, like a bathroom, car, or closet. 

Whippets will damage brain cells

Using Whippets the first time can cause permanent damage to the cells in our brain and that danger increases each time this drug is used. Nitrous oxide can block vitamin B12 in your body. Vitamin B12 is vital for nerve health, making red blood cells and repairing body tissues. Whippets can cause your B12 levels to drop, which can lead to nerve damage in your brain and spinal cord, or even paralysis. When a user tries whippets and has a “successful” experience, they feel they can handle the drug without consequence. This is a very dangerous precedent that sets the standard for future use. As the drug is used more frequently, the brain continues to lose cells without the user realizing the damage that takes place over time. By the time they realize the harm that has taken effect on their brains, the damage is irreversible.

Help?

The dangers of using Whippets are very well documented. There is no grey area with this drug, THEY WILL HARM YOU, it only becomes a matter of time. Drug addiction is a difficult, and many times, a complicated matter to overcome. Much help and guidance is needed. Having family and friends to help is very beneficial to the success of the addict. As beneficial as their help may be, they don’t obtain the knowledge or experience that is needed to assure success. Professional help is crucial to that success. Can-Am Interventions is here to help with the unknowns, providing the guidance and treatment needed for long-term recovery, as well to guide the support system of the addict (Family, Friends, Co-workers…) to educate them on the best way to offer their support to the addict. If you or someone you care about is struggling with addiction, please reach out to us today. We are here and ready to help you.

For More Information:

E: patti.pike@canaminterventions.com W: www.canaminterventions.com

1-800-638-1812 Toll Free Internationally 415-827-3725 Text 415-578-2875 Office

Written by Rob Baird

Take the first step.