Popper: what is it and what are the effects of this drug?

This substance, very popular in the gay scene, has euphoriant effects and increases libido.

The use of the drug is commonplace is not exclusive to the youngest members of society. This habit is not something recent either, as since ancient times human beings have been consuming all kinds of psychoactive substances. For example, it is known that the Mayans used mushrooms, peyote and ayahuasca centuries ago.

The effects of drugs can be pleasurable and make us live hallucinatory and, in some cases, hallucinogenic experiences; however, usually these substances are either harmful to health or have great risks and can cause negative consequences in the life of the consumer. In this article we will focus on a substance known as popper.

What is popper?

Drugs are usually divided into three categories based on the effects they produce. They can act as stimulants only, as depressants or as hallucinogens (known psychedelics). Very few substances have mixed effectsThese can be described as stimulant hallucinogens (e.g. ecstasy or ketamine) or as depressant hallucinogens (e.g. cannabis).

Depressant drugs make the user feel relaxed and calm and often slow the heart rate and breathing. They include alcohol (in high doses), tranquilizers, heroin or cannabis. Hallucinogens distort the reality of the of the subject consuming these substances in different ways: his or her sense of movement or time may be altered or he or she may suffer sensory distortions and hallucinations (e.g. visual or auditory). They include LSD or mushrooms.

Stimulants make the user feel alert and energetic. In turn, Blood Pressure increases and vasodilation occurs. This group includes cocaine, amphetamines and poppers.. 

The term popper is colloquially used to refer to a wide range of psychoactive drugs that include, among some of the active ingredients, alkyl nitrites or amyl nitrite. They are consumed by inhalation and are for recreational use. This drug is also is also known as liquid gold, bananas, snappers, rush, and other trade names such as Stud or Loco. and other trade names such as Stud or Locker Room.

Characteristics of this substance

The most common type of popper is the one containing amyl nitrite, which is often mistaken for a "popper".It is often confused with amyl nitrate which is used as an additive in diesel fuel, where it acts to improve ignition by accelerating the ignition of the fuel. However, poppers can also contain isopropyl nitrite, 2-propyl nitrite, isobutyl nitrite, butyl nitrite and alkyl nitrite.

The term "popper" came into use following the popularity of some of these chemical compounds when they were used as pharmaceuticals. For example, amyl nitrite has been used in medicine for its vasodilator and stimulant effect in the treatment of angina pectoris. for the treatment of angina pectoris.

What are the effects of poppers?

Although this drug is rarely used today to treat heart problems, poppers are still consumed. As a medical use, amyl nitrite is still used to treat popper poisoning. to treat cyanide poisoning..

As a recreational substance, poppers produce stimulation and vasodilation very quickly when inhaled, as well as a feeling of euphoria and sexual desire. At the same time causes sphincter relaxation, and is therefore known as a sex drug or "gay drug". or "gay drug".

Briefly, its effects are:

• It produces a quick high when inhaled.It produces a rapid high when inhaled, in which the focus of attention and control of the body is lost.
• Libido is increased.
• It produces a state of well-being and pleasure..
• Relaxes sphincters and favors erection in men.
• Causes pleasurable perceptual distortions.
• Inconsistent language and slow reaction time.

The pleasurable effects of the drug occur soon after taking it and have a short duration of only 2 or 3 minutes. On the other hand, side effects can be long lastingThey may include: nausea, dizziness, headaches, eye redness, congestion in the face and neck, loss of appetite, nosebleeds, tachycardia, hypotension and altered breathing.

Poppers can also be used as an adjunct to other designer drugs, such as LSD and ecstasy, which can lead to more intense sensations and effects, but also to serious risks of intoxication. serious risks of intoxication. 

A popular drug among the gay community

Amyl nitrite was first synthesized in 1844 by Antoine Jérôme Balard and was popularized as a treatment for angina pectoris by Sir Thomas Lauder Brunton. But it did not begin to be used as a recreational drug until the 1960s, initially in the gay community, as this group realized that this drug helped them to feel mentally and physically well, increased their sexual arousal and favored the practice of anal sex, making it less painful and more pleasurable.

Thus, poppers are widely used as a used as recreational drugs, especially in the gay sceneand are usually inhaled directly from small bottles. It is a cheap and easy to acquire drug, often sold as air fresheners or sexual enhancers.

Recent research examined the use of this drug among homosexuals. It appears that while the use of other substances such as crystal methamphetamine, ecstasy and ketamine have declined in recent times, the use of poppers and cocaine has remained stable.

This psychoactive substance became part of the gay scene during the most successful times of disco music, i.e. the 1970s, and was very popular during the 1980s and 1990s. However, heterosexuals also use it for its effects. Studies show that in the UK 14.9% of university students and 12.8% of medical students have used this drug recreationally. In addition, there appears to be great concern in this country about the recent increase in the use of inhalants. recent increase in the use of inhaled drugs. among adolescents, including poppers.

Bibliographical references:

• Organization of American States. (2012). Report: The Drug Problem in the Americas.
• San Francisco I., Gemma. (2010). Drogodependencias. Conceptos básicos.