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Poppers: Just the Facts

‘Poppers’ is a term used to describe a highly toxic liquid called amyl nitrate.

When smelt it temporarily increases blood flow. 

Users typically smell the liquid straight from the bottle, which causes a temporary ‘high’ or headrush that lasts up to a couple of minutes. 

The liquid is very toxic, if swallowed or consumed it can be fatal even in small doses. It also causes chemical burns to the skin and is highly flammable. Call 999 immediately if you suspect someone has swallowed even a small amount. 

Image of poppers

Image Credit – Talk to Frank

How does it feel?

The way the drug works varies from person to person. Some people might feel: 

  • A head-rush 
  • Euphoric 
  • Increased skin sensitivity and sex drive 

But smelling the liquid can also cause: 

  • Headaches 
  • Chest pains 
  • Nausea/faintness 
  • Nosebleeds 
  • Problems with co-ordination 
  • Loss of consciousness 
  • Serious issues like loss of eyesight or death 

The ‘high’ from poppers can last up to a couple of minutes, but effects such as headaches and nausea can last long after the high has worn off. 

The risks 

You should never swallow poppers or allow it to make contact with any part of your body. If you or someone you know has swallowed even a small amount of the liquid, call 999 immediately. If the liquid makes contact with your skin, seek medical attention. 

Click here for more information about chemical burns.

Sniffing poppers is potentially dangerous for anyone with heart problems, anaemia, glaucoma (an eye disease) or blood pressure problems. 

It can be harmful to your heart, as it can cause irregular or fast heart rhythms. Poppers can also make your blood pressure drop. Regular or repeated use can damage your eyesight, and there have been cases where people have experienced short-term or permanent loss of vision after using poppers – seek medical attention if you experience any eyesight problems. 

Sudden sniffing death syndrome has been reported in rare cases, where users of poppers have died from abnormal heart rhythms or injury to their red blood cells. 

Poppers may lead to you losing consciousness and choking on your vomit. Using poppers with alcohol can increase this risk. 

If you use poppers while you’re having sex, be aware that you may feel less inhibited and take risks – such as not using a contraception. Because of this, poppers have been linked to people catching sexually transmitted diseases and injuring themselves during sex. 

The law

Poppers are legal to sell, but only as products ‘not for human consumption’. They are often sold as ‘room odouriser’ under brand names such as Liquid Gold and Bang Aroma. 

Possession is not illegal but supply can be an offence, there have been cases of shopkeepers being fined for selling poppers. 

Like drink driving, driving whilst high is dangerous and illegal. Being caught driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol can result in a large fine, driving ban and/or prison sentence.   

Some drugs can stay at detectable levels in your system for days or weeks after you’ve taken them. 

 

How to get help

If you have any more questions on this area or would like to speak to somebody about this topic, have a look at the links or search for your local services in the blue box below. Alternatively you can always contact your school nurse.

Cross Hatch