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The information on these pages is designed to give you and idea of what drugs do and the risks involved. As a service, we accept that drug use is part of the World and Island we live in today and are here to help if you need us.

Drug use is risky, there are no regulations on illegal drugs (such as strength or content) and so you’ll never know what you’ve really bought. We want you to be safe and make informed decisions – it could affect the rest of your life. If your drugs use, or that of a friend, family member or colleague is causing you concern, don’t be ashamed or afraid to get in touch if you need help or support.
 
 
 
POPPERS
(Nitrites, Rush, Liquid Gold, TNT)
Most types are legal to possess and supply but certain types of amyl nitrite are illegal to supply or sell.

Most poppers available in Britain are butyl or isobutyl nitrites and currently legal.
 


TEACHERS GUIDE TO POPPERS - CLICK HERE

What is it? The word ‘Poppers’ refers to amyl, butyl or isobutyl Nitrite. The most common are Amyl Nitrite and Butyl Nitrite. Amyl Nitrite was originally used for the treatment of angina but other treatments are now more commonly used. the Nitrites are volatile, flammable, clear yellow liquid, which is purchased in small bottles. When fresh it smells sweet but once opened it can go off and smells like old smelly socks!!

The vapours from the liquid are INHALED and should NEVER be drunk as that could be FATAL.

What does it do? Inhaling, usually from the bottle or a cloth produces a quick rush. It causes the blood vessels to dilate, heart beat increases and blood rushes to the brain. This can result in pounding headache, dizziness, light-headedness and flushed face.

Anyone with GLAUCOMA, HEART TROUBLE or ANAEMIA should AVOID anything to do with poppers - the risks are too dangerous.

Other effects of use can include:

  • Headache

  • Cold Sweats

  • Nausea

  • Nitrite Dermatitis (Rash around the mouth, nose & cheeks)

  • Pain and swelling of the nasal passages

  • Nitrites spilt on skin can cause a painful burning sensation.

Why would anyone use it? Sometimes used to enhance the effects of Ecstasy or LSD, popular in dance clubs, for the ‘rush’ or to enhance sexual pleasure.

Any risks? Yes - INHALE ONLY. Swallowing the drug does cause fatalities. Also, because the effect of the drug causes the blood pressure to drop, anyone with a heart condition, glaucoma or anaemia should avoid it.

Excessive use can cause a reduction of oxygen to the blood, known as methaemoglobinaemia. Symptoms include severe vomiting, blue-tinged skin and lips, shock and unconsciousness.

As with solvents, poppers are highly flammable and should be kept away from naked flames.

Is it addictive?

Tolerance (the need to take more of a drug to get the desired effect) can develop over two to three weeks of regular use but after a few days of abstinence, this tolerance is lost.

MIXING WITH OTHER DRUGS

POPPERS & VIAGRA - DO NOT MIX THEM!  Manufacturers of Viagra have issued a  warning about taking the drug with nitrates like poppers. They are both STIMULANTS and taken together can cause a sudden drop in blood pressure that could give you a HEART ATTACK!

Blood Pressure Medication - Same as above. AVOID as you your blood pressure could drop so much it stops.
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