Abstract
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History, chemical profile
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There is a virtually infinite number of volatile substances of abuse that can be inhaled: glue, gasoline, spray paint, household products. These substances all have different effects.
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Nitrous oxide, known as whippets, act on NO receptors. They induce smooth muscle relaxation and hypotension.
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Alkyl Nitrites, known as poppers, are NO receptor agonists and have similar effect to whippets. They were first synthetized by Ballard in 1844 and used in angina.
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How does the drug present, how is it consumed?
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There are all kind of methods to use inhalants: sniffing, bagging, or huffing
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Poppers and whippets are liquid substances usually packaged in small bottles. They are inhaled by approaching the opened bottle to a nostril.
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Context of using and desired effect
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Poppers and whippets became popular in the gay community in the 1970s and more generally during the sexual liberation movement.
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They induce a brief moment of euphoria, intense excitement, and decupled interest for the sexual partner.
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Poppers’ smooth muscle relaxation effect facilitate anal sex.
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References
Wu LT, Schlenger WE, Ringwalt CL. Use of nitrite inhalants (“poppers”) among American youth. J Adolesc Health. 2005;37(1):52–60.
Muller AA, Muller GF. Inhalant abuse. J Emerg Nurs. 2006;32(5):447–8.
Kurtzman TL, Otsuka KN, Wahl RA. Inhalant abuse by adolescents. J Adolesc Health. 2001;28(3):170–80.
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Cavanagh, J.J., Smith, T.Y. (2018). Inhalant (Alkyl Nitrites, Nitrous Oxide, Hydrocarbons) Intoxication AKA: Poppers. In: Nordstrom, K., Wilson, M. (eds) Quick Guide to Psychiatric Emergencies. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-58260-3_33
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-58260-3_33
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