Whippits Addiction

What Are Whippits?

Whippits—also spelled “whippets” or “whip-its”—refer to the recreational use of nitrous oxide, a colorless, odorless gas used in the medical and food industries.

Whippits can also be referred to as:

• Nitrous oxide
• Laughing Gas
• Hippie crack
• Galaxy gas

Nitrous oxide is more commonly known as laughing gas due to its euphoric effects when inhaled, though the term “galaxy gas” has recently been popularized on social media.

The name “whippits” is derived from the small canisters of nitrous oxide typically used to charge whipped cream dispensers. These canisters are widely available in restaurants, coffee shops, or other culinary uses.

Alternatively, dentists may use nitrous oxide as a mild sedative during certain procedures to help their patients relax.

How Do Whippits Work?

Whippits work by delivering nitrous oxide into the body through inhalation, classifying them as an inhalant.

Nitrous oxide is an aerosol, a pressurized gas that can be released in a controlled burst, which can make it easy to inhale directly and misuse for recreational purposes.

When inhaled, nitrous oxide quickly enters the lungs and travels through the bloodstream to the brain.

From the brain, it disrupts communication between brain cells and slows down the nervous system, leading to effects like a feeling of euphoria, lightheadedness, and detachment from reality.

Side Effects of Whippits Use

Though nitrous oxide has legitimate uses in the medical and food industries, its recreational use comes with significant risks, including short-term impairment and long-term health problems.

Many of the health risks associated with inhalants like whippits come from a lack of oxygen to the brain. However, whippits can also cause nerve damage, vitamin deficiency, and physical injuries such as frostbite.

One of the most serious risks of whippit use is asphyxiation, which can occur when nitrous oxide displaces oxygen in the lungs and deprives the brain and body of oxygen, potentially leading to loss of consciousness, brain damage, or even death.

Other short-term effects of whippit abuse include:

• Euphoria
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Nausea
• Confusion
• Impaired motor coordination
• Blurred vision
• Temporary numbness
• Changes in blood pressure (e.g., sudden drops)
• Frostbite or burns (from improper handling of cold gas canisters)

Long-term effects of whippits can apply to long-term use or repeated misuse over a shorter time frame.

Long-term effects of whippit abuse include:

• Brain damage (from chronic oxygen deprivation or hypoxia)
• Nerve damage (caused by vitamin B12 deficiency)
• Memory problems
• Difficulty concentrating
• Hearing loss
• Weakened immune system
• Kidney damage (from byproduct buildup over time)
• Chronic headaches
• Heart complications (irregular heartbeat or heart failure in extreme cases)
• Lung damage (from repeated inhalation of the gas)
• Psychological dependence (cravings and habitual use)

Signs of Whippits Abuse

Nitrous oxide abuse involves releasing the gas into a balloon or directly inhaling it, producing a short-lived high with symptoms like euphoria, dizziness, and a sense of detachment.

If you’re concerned about a loved one, several physical, behavioral, and environmental signs may indicate whippit misuse. Recognizing these signs early can help you intervene and provide support before the problem worsens.

Common warning signs of whippit use include

• Frequent possession of balloons or nitrous oxide canisters
• Unexplained frostbite or burns (often on the hands or face from handling gas canisters)
• Slurred speech or difficulty concentrating
• Sudden mood swings or unusual behavior
• Chronic headaches or dizziness
• Weakness in the limbs or coordination issues
• Discarded whippit canisters or balloons in their personal spaces
• Unusual laughing fits or moments of confusion
• These signs may vary depending on the severity and frequency of misuse.

Prevalence of Whippits Abuse and Addiction

Whippits are among the most commonly abused inhalants, particularly popular among teens and young adults due to their low cost, easy availability, and perceived harmlessness.

In the United States, inhalant abuse is most prevalent among individuals aged 12 to 17, with approximately 3% of adolescents reporting inhalant use within the past year.

Recent studies suggest that nitrous oxide misuse has been rising globally, with surveys indicating that nearly 9% of adolescents in some regions have tried inhalants like whippits at least once.

In the United States, approximately 13 million individuals aged 12 and older have misused nitrous oxide at least once in their lifetime compared to the roughly 52.5 million people (about 19% of Americans) who reported cannabis use at least once in 2021.

While cannabis use is more widespread, nitrous oxide abuse is still a significant concern—especially among young people.

The Galaxy Gas Trend

“Galaxy Gas” refers to a brand of flavored nitrous oxide canisters intended for culinary purposes, such as whipping cream. However, these products have been misused recreationally, leading to a problematic trend among teens and young adults.

The “Galaxy Gas” trend has gained recent traction on social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube, where videos featuring young people inhaling “Galaxy Gas” have earned millions of views.

To combat this trend, apps and social media platforms have banned words like “whippits” and “Galaxy Gas” from their search functions. In 2021, New York enacted a law prohibiting the sale of whipped cream chargers to individuals under 21.

Treatment for Whippits Addiction

Treatment for whippit addiction typically involves a combination of medical care, therapy, and support. Entering a treatment center isn’t necessarily common unless the person was using whippits alongside other recreational drug use (i.e., polydrug use).

Detox and Medical Support

The first step in treating whippit addiction is a thorough medical evaluation. Your doctor or healthcare provider will check for common problems like oxygen deprivation (hypoxia), vitamin B12 deficiency, and nerve damage.

While whippits don’t typically cause strong withdrawal symptoms, their misuse can lead to serious effects like a lack of oxygen or low vitamin B12 levels.

Medical treatment often includes oxygen therapy to help the brain recover and vitamin B12 supplements to repair nerve damage.

Additional care might be needed in more severe cases, such as treating frostbite from handling gas canisters or managing chronic headaches.

Therapy for Whippit Addiction

Therapy plays a crucial role in recovering from whippit addiction by addressing the emotional and behavioral aspects of substance abuse.

It helps individuals understand the reasons behind their addiction, develop healthier coping mechanisms, and rebuild their lives. Therapy also provides tools to manage cravings and avoid triggers, reducing the risk of relapse.

Common types of therapy used in addiction treatment:

• Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): Focuses on changing harmful thought patterns and behaviors that might lead to relapse.
• Motivational Interviewing (MI): Encourages self-motivation and commitment to quit using inhalant drugs and/or overall substance use.
• Group therapy: Provides peer support and shared experiences in recovery from inhalant abuse.

Get Help for Whippits Drug Abuse and Addiction

If you or a loved one is struggling with whippit abuse, it’s important to know that help is available. Nitrous oxide misuse may seem harmless at first, but its short-term and long-term risks can have serious consequences for your health and well-being.

You can consult your doctor or a trusted healthcare provider about personalized treatment options.

If you don’t know where to start, contact SAMHSA’s National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357 or check out their online treatment locator. Their services are confidential, free, and available 24/7 to provide referrals to local treatment facilities and support groups.