Poppers

Contrary to, well... logic, poppers having nothing to do with popping pills. The reason the drug is called poppers is because you ‘pop’ the top off the container and inhale the liquid high. This kinda proves how little we actually know the drug, so it’s time to get educated. Think of it as a fun chemistry lesson.

What are poppers? 

They’re a group of liquid chemicals known as alkyl nitrites that come in loud neon bottles. When you sniff them, they release a whiff of vapour that dilates all your blood vessels. They also make you feel really good, which is why they’re used as recreational drugs. In days gone by, they used to come in glass bottles that ‘popped’ when you opened them, thus the name poppers.

How do you take poppers? 

Most people untwist the bottle and take a small sniff from the top. Some dip the tip of a cigarette into the bottle and inhale that. It’s all up to personal preference honestly. 

How long do poppers last? 

Not long, much like Vin Diesel, they’re a bit fast and furious. The head rush usually lasts between two to five minutes.

Why do people take poppers? 

Like all drugs, people take them for many different reasons, but broadly speaking they can make you feel pretty happy and they have a reputation for being used during sex. So, what do poppers do?

• You get a huge rush of blood to the head – like you’re hanging upside down or something
• If you’re having sex, it increases all the good feelings; every touch feels much nicer than normal. For this reason, they’re actually sold in some sex shops (and for the reason below)
• If you fancy a bit of anal sex, poppers loosens up your bumhole muscles
• You might feel light-headed, giddy, or just really hot
• Some people feel like time has slowed down

Poppers side effects

Some of the side effects of poppers include: 

• We’re pretty damn certain you’ll get an awful head rush straight after taking them
• You may feel dizzy, sick, and can even faint
• If you’re a bloke, it may stop you getting or maintaining a decent hard-on as it increases blood flow. To find out more about sex on drugs, read this.
• Poppers increase the risk of a sore throat and eye damage (not something you want ever, really)
• You may develop a rash around the nose and the mouth from chemical burns

Are poppers dangerous? 

There have been some reports of people dying suddenly of ‘sudden sniffing death syndrome‘ after sniffing poppers. And it’s potentially fatal for anyone with heart and blood pressure issues to take them. So are poppers safe? Not really, sorry, and especially not if they’re mixed with other drugs…

Can I take poppers with Viagra? 

We can see the appeal – enhanced sexual feelings combined with a raging insatiable boner – but please don’t mix the two. It can make your blood pressure drop dangerously low, resulting in dizziness, fainting, heart problems and potentially a coma and/or death.

While we’re on the subject of taking poppers with other substances, mixing them with alcohol isn’t a good idea either. This is because it reduces the amount of oxygen getting to your vital organs. Which, not to state the obvious, could cause long term and potentially lethal consequences. 

If you want to find out more about mixing drugs, read our article on the topic. 

How can I reduce the risks if I take poppers? 

The safest way to reduce risk would be to not take them at all. But if you’re planning to sniff them you should listen to the following: 

• Whatever you do, DON’T SWALLOW THEM. You’ll die. Plain and simple.
• Don’t use them near a naked flame. They’re really bloody flammable.
• Don’t take poppers if you have anaemia, glaucoma, or heart or breathing problems. It messes with your blood pressure and can be fatal
• Don’t take them if you’re pregnant because nitrates affect the placenta of your baby
• If they make you horny, please do use a condom.

Are poppers legal in the UK?

Yes, they are legal to possess. But, they’re covered by the Medicines Misuse Act, so it’s illegal to sell them if they’re being advertised for human consumption. Baffles the mind how the law works. If you’re confused about any other UK drug laws, read this.