BODY & MIND
Club Drugs: Effects, Risks, and Addiction
Club Drug Quick Links
Crystal Methamphetamine
Ecstasy
GHB
Ketamine
Poppers
Cocaine
Heroin
Crystal Methamphetamine
Ecstasy
GHB
Ketamine
Poppers
Cocaine
Heroin
| FEATURED CLUB DRUG: POPPERS | |
| Street Name: Poppers, Rush, snappers. | |
| What It Is: The class of chemical compounds known as nitrites (alkyl, amyl, butyl, isobutyl) used medically for angina, commercially in over-the-counter products, such as room odorizers and video head cleaners, and recreationally to enhance sexual pleasure. | |
| What It Does: Poppers cause the smooth muscles around blood vessels to relax, increasing your heart rate and sending the oxygen-rich blood to your brain in a “rush.” | |
| Dose: Alkyl nitrate is sold as a liquid in little brown bottles, often branded as “room odorizers” or “aromas,” and is inhaled. | |
| Duration: The rush lasts for a minute or two. | |
| Effects: The sensations produced by the head rush can amplify sexual arousal and orgasm; the relaxation of the smooth muscles makes penetration of the sphincter easier. | |
| Risks: Popper use has been linked to no significant health harm, although it burns when spilled on the skin. Taking nitrates with Viagra can cause a sudden drop in your blood pressure, fainting, stroke, or heart attack. Poppers also may increase STD or HIV risk because they cause blood vessels to open. | |
| Addiction: Poppers have not been shown to be physically addictive. | |
