POPPERS

Poppers are small bottles filled with liquid chemicals called alkyl nitrites. They were used at the turn of the century for people suffering from chest pains. Nitrites like Amyl Nitrite dilate the blood vessels and allow more blood to get to the heart.

They're usually sniffed straight from the bottle and deliver a short, sharp high. Poppers are sold in sex shops, clubs and gay bars.

ID: Amyl nitrite, butyl nitrite, isobutyl nitrite, Ram, Thrust, Rock Hard, Kix, TNT, Liquid Gold

Appearance and use

Nitrites originally came as small glass capsules that were popped open, hence the name. Nowadays they're available in small bottles with brand names like Ram, Thrust and Rock Hard. One big sniff and you can feel the effects. They fade after a couple of minutes.

Cost

£2 - £5 per bottle

Purity

Not really an issue with Poppers.

The effects

• An initial head rush that lasts a couple of minutes.
• Sniffing poppers during sex can make orgasms feel like they last longer. And some people say it makes their sexual organs feel massive.
• May help relax anal sphincter muscles.

But there is a flip side:

• The effects don't last long and can leave people feeling sick, faint and weak. Especially if taken while dancing.
• Some people say they have trouble getting an erection after sniffing poppers.
• Poppers can give you the Mother of all headaches.
• Some people get a rash around their mouth.

Chances of getting hooked

Poppers aren't physically or psychologically addictive.

The risks

• Poppers are toxic and can kill you if you swallow them.
• Taking poppers is a dangerous idea for anyone with chest or heart problems, anaemia or glaucoma.
• It's very dangerous to take poppers with viagra or if you're on medication to reduce your blood pressure as it can cause it to drop so low it is dangerous.
• Don't get them on your skin, poppers burn.
• And they're highly flammable. Some people like to sniff cigarettes that have been dipped in a bottle of Poppers. Lighting those cigarettes could take your eyebrows off.

The law

Amyl Nitrite is very rarely used in medicine these days but is controlled under the Medicines Act. Possession is not illegal but supply can be an offence. There have been cases where the Medicines Act was used to fine shops for selling them but they're still sold as Room Aromas or Deodorisers in sex shops and some clubs.