HOW ISOBUTYL NITRITE IS USED

Isobutyl nitrite is a drug belonging to the alkyl nitrite family and is primarily used for recreational purposes. Various colloquial names such as poppers, snappers and whippets are used to describe this illegal drug.

Disguised as room odorizes, leather cleaners or video head cleaners, this colorless and malodorous liquid is available in small brown glass vials known as ampoules. These ampoules have a protective layer of cotton around them, which is further covered with a mesh.

The ampoules can be crushed between fingers and hence the name “poppers” from the popping sound that is created while crushing.

The resultant vapor is then inhaled and an instant effect is felt that can last several minutes. The immediate result is a decrease in blood pressure with an increase in heart beat rate. Coupled with these are marked changes in behavior and sensation. Users of isobutyl nitrate experience a sudden ‘rush’ resulting in a sense of euphoria and dizziness. The gay community as well as adolescents, teenagers and young adults are reportedly the highest abusers of this drug who primarily indulge in it for some quick and heightened feeling of sexual pleasure.