Signs of Whippit Drug Abuse

Whippits, also known as laughing gas or whippits, are a slang term for the recreational use of nitrous oxide. People purchase a whippit canister, usually made for whipping cream, and inhale the nitrous oxide to get high. Nitrous oxide is easily accessible, and whippits drug abuse is popular among adolescents, so it’s important to know the warning signs.

Are Whippits Illegal?

Whippits aren’t an illegal substance because people are taking a standard product and misusing it. Instead of using it for whipped cream, people inhale the nitrous oxide, known as “huffing.” They do this by taking out the small, cylindrical silver canister known as a whippit. The canister is cracked open and the colorless gas is inhaled, producing an immediate high.

Because whippits can be purchased easily and without identification, huffing nitrous oxide is seen as a type of legal high. As a result, there’s been an increase in whippit drug popularity among young people recently, with many videos of people huffing showing up on social media.

What Are the Signs of Whippits Drug Abuse?

Someone who’s just huffed will experience the following symptoms:

These short-term side effects usually last only minutes, so spotting them is only possible immediately after the person has huffed gas.

Frequent and prolonged use of whippits can have serious long-term side effects, such as:

Additionally, consuming nitrous oxide while pregnant can lead to birth defects.

A 2023 study determined a new substantial risk associated with whippit use. Users who’ve cracked open and inhaled whippits have noted “the presence of an oily residue containing metallic particles.”

The study tested this residue and found it contains several substances. It was revealed that people inhaling gas from whippits are also being exposed to several chemicals, including cyclohexyl isothiocyanate and zinc. Cyclohexyl isothiocyanate is classified as a respiratory sensitizer, meaning it causes asthma-like symptoms. And zinc particulate matter can potentially lead to lung lesions.

Whippit Drug Paraphernalia

Someone engaged in whippit drug use will often give themselves away by leaving whippit drug paraphernalia around. Here are some items to look out for:

• Small silver metal canisters
• Kitchen-grade whipped cream dispensers
• Balloons (these are often used to help capture and inhale the nitrous oxide gas)

How Long Does a Whippit High Last?

A whippit high typically lasts only 30-40 seconds with each huff. However, the “coming down” effects (such as headaches and dizziness) can last up to 15 minutes.

People can become dependent on whippits because they produce a euphoric high that’s described as feeling similar to being drunk.

Because a whippit high is so short, it can be a particularly dangerous high. Nitrous oxide addiction is possible, but whippits generally aren’t considered addictive. People can quickly build up a tolerance and overconsume the drug, as they need to go back over and over again for more of the euphoric feeling.

Nitrous oxide is dangerous in any amount, but the risk of adverse side effects increases the more the substance is consumed.

One of the most significant dangers of whippits is that they can be a gateway drug. Someone who starts using whippits may be at risk of eventually moving on to harder substances, such as heroin or cocaine, as they chase the high.

Do Whippits Show Up in Drug Tests?

Because a whippit high lasts less than a minute, the substance leaves the body quite quickly. As a result, a standard drug test doesn’t pick up the consumption of nitrous oxide gas.

Can You Overdose on Whippits?

Whippits are often misunderstood to be a safe drug. After all, it’s just inhaling gas from a whipping container and getting a high that lasts under a minute, right?

Wrong.

The Australian Alcohol and Drug Foundation has found that you can overdose on nitrous oxide. The risk of this is higher if you:

• Have preexisting health conditions (such as heart conditions or epilepsy)
• Consume a large amount
• Don’t get enough oxygen when you’re consuming the drug

If someone has recently taken nitrous oxide and experiences any of the following symptoms, call an ambulance immediately:

• Breathing issues (shallow or slow breathing or breathing has stopped)
• Heart issues such as an irregular heartbeat, chest pain or heart palpitations
• Loss of consciousness
• Seizures
• Skin color changes, especially in the lips and fingernails

Additionally, nitrous oxide can become particularly dangerous when mixed with other substances. If consumed with other drugs or alcohol, the risk of overdose increases.

Treatment Options for Whippit Drug Abuse

Never dismiss the warning signs of whippit drug abuse. This drug can be popular among teenagers, who may not fully comprehend the risks it comes with. Someone taking whippits can expose themselves to long-term serious health side effects, addiction and even death. Additionally, people may feel safe chasing a legal high like whippits, but the risk of moving on to other, more addictive substances is very real.

If you suspect someone you know is abusing whippits, they must get help immediately. Approach the topic with sensitivity and understanding, and encourage them to consider rehabilitation treatment. A rehab facility can provide the right support so they understand the true risks of their addiction and learn their triggers and coping mechanisms so they don’t relapse.

Addiction Recovery at FHE Health

Substance abuse addiction can be all-encompassing, but recovery is possible. At FHE Health, our team of experienced professionals has helped hundreds of people find sobriety.

Whippit addiction doesn’t have to take over your life. Contact us today to learn more about our addiction treatment; we’ll help you return to your healthy self.