Amyl & Butyl Nitrites
Commonly known as "Poppers"
What are Poppers?
Poppers Pop!
Examples of Poppers
What are poppers used for?
Legal uses
Alkyl nitrites are also sometimes used as an antidote to cyanide poisoning, helping the body create agents to neutralize the cyanide.
Alkyl nitrites are also occasionally used as cleaning agents, or as very small additives to perfume.
Illegal Usage
But why use poppers?
Poppers give a strong, quick head rush, inspiring feelings of lightheadedness and intensifying sensory experiences. This is often used to enhance club or sexual experiences.
Many people have not even heard of poppers, let alone done them- so where are they so widely used? Ryder knows the answer.
Poppers are most commonly used in the LGBT community. A recent study showed that in some areas, almost 15% of male gays used poppers before. Why are poppers so much more popular in the LGBT community? Think back to the effects of poppers. Poppers can relax smooth muscles, and what is a relevant smooth? Think about it for a second. Poppers are particularly prevalent in this community because while other party drugs popular in the LGBT scene eventually were cracked down on, poppers are relatively easier on the body and were not cracked down on as hard.
Poppers are illegal in the US when sold for drug purposes, but are often sold as other products to get around this. This is the same case as the UK.
Potential Side Effects
Poppers can cause blood pressure to drop to dangerous levels. Poppers can also damage red blood cells and other organs. Poppers can even cause you to pass out, and die through choking on your own vomit.
While poppers are often marketed as "harmless," the truth is they are far from it. Even the liquid itself is highly toxic, and can kill you or damage your skin if you ingest or spill it.
Rarely, "Sudden Sniffing Death syndrome" has been reported with popper use, causing people to unexpectedly die due to heart irregularity.