The Dangerous Effects of Whippets
Whipped cream is a delicious and light topping for a variety of desserts.
People put whipped cream on their lattes, smother cakes with it, and even eat it straight from the can. While the whipped cream itself is harmless, the device that dispenses it may not be so innocent. As a residential Boca rehab, we know that it is not uncommon for people to use everyday objects to get high; still, many people are not aware of the serious dangers they are putting themselves in.
What Are Whippets?
Whippets, also known as whippits or whip-its, is a term used to describe the nitrous oxide charger that is used in whipped cream dispensers. These whipped cream canisters help push out the whipped cream, but they are not always just used for dessert. Because the nitrous oxide or “laughing gas” in whippets can have euphoric effects, some people will inhale the gas to get high. Although breathing in gas from a whipped cream dispenser may seem harmless, whippet abuse is a type of inhalant abuse. It can be incredibly dangerous and even fatal.The Side Effects of Whippet Abuse
Nitrous oxide is a colorless gas at room temperature that can be used for pain relief as well as sedation for minor medical procedures like dental work. While it does have practical medical uses, some people will use this drug to get high. Whippets can create an initial euphoric feeling, but they can also cause serious damage to the human body.Some of the effects of whippet abuse include:
- Dizziness
- Hallucinations
- Impaired motor function
- Impaired brain function or brain damage
- Heart problems
- Organ damage
- Psychiatric symptoms
- Peripheral nerve damage resulting in numbness or weakness
- Harm to the spinal cord
- Paralysis 1,2
Although whippets’ effects are associated with serious health problems, only 29.3% of people surveyed were aware of these effects.2 It’s important to get substance abuse treatment sooner rather than later because frequent use may lead to addiction or drug abuse of other kinds. Long-term nitrous oxide abuse can also lead to severe neurological problems,1 but the dangerous effects of whippets are not solely reserved for frequent users. While adolescents, in particular, may be curious about the whippet drug effects, whippets can be deadly the first time they are abused. Like huffing, whippet use can lead to asphyxiation as the lungs fill up with the gas and the body’s oxygen supply becomes limited. This limited oxygen can also lead to other problems like seizures or comas. Because of these serious health problems, the euphoric whippet effects are not worth the risk.
As a Boca rehab, we know that drug abuse of any kind can be dangerous; it can also set someone on the path to addiction. Instead of waiting until you or your loved one hits rock bottom, get help sooner rather than later.
At Banyan Boca, we want to help you work through your substance abuse problems and find lasting sobriety. To speak with an admissions specialist and get more information about us, call us today at 888-280-4763.
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The Dangerous Effects Of Whippets
Alyssa, Director of Digital Marketing
Alyssa is the National Director of Digital Marketing and is responsible for a multitude of integrated campaigns and events in the behavioral health and addictions field. All articles have been written by Alyssa and medically reviewed by our Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Darrin Mangiacarne.
