Poppers

What are Poppers?

Poppers are chemicals called alkyl nitrites; they come in liquid form and they are sniffed for a brief, but very intense high (no more than 2-5 minutes). This group of chemicals includes amyl nitrite, butyl nitrite and isobutyl nitrite. The bottles or tubes of clear or straw-coloured liquid are supplied under various trade names such as Ram, Thrust, Rock Hard, Kix, TNT and Liquid Gold.

Facts and figures

• As amyl nitrite is available on prescription, possession is not illegal but supply can be an offence.

What sniffing does

• Sniffing alkyl nitrites causes blood vessels to dilate and blood to surge through the heart and brain. This gives the user an intense high and may affect their perception of time: things may appear to slow down.
• Blood vessel dilation results in skin flushing: a person who is under the influence will have a flushed face and neck.
• Some users feel faint, especially if they use poppers while dancing; many are left with a headache afterwards.

Dangers and health risks

• If swallowed, poppers may be fatal; if spilled they will burn the skin.
• Sniffing these chemicals is particularly dangerous for people with certain health conditions such as anaemia, glaucoma and breathing or heart problems.