Poppers are a liquid vasodilator, sold in the form of small vials, which is not prohibited in France (legal) and which is not without risk. Popular in gay and young circles, it induces a state of euphoria and intense relaxation. Its effect lasts only 5 to 10 minutes.
The poppers is a vasodilator originally used to treat heart disease. In fact, its use is diverted for recreational and festive purposes and it is used more to provoke a feeling of euphoria and to improve performance sexual. This use has mainly developed in gay circles, but also among young people. What are the effects of poppers? What are the risks ? Is it legal in France?
Definition: what are poppers?
Poppers are highly volatile liquid preparations, containing nitrites aliphatic or cyclic alkyl (amyl, butyl, propyl, pentyl, cyclohexyl) packaged in bottles intended to be inhaled (small bottles of 10 to 15 ml, perfectly suited for use in a festive context). Originally, poppers were used in the treatment of certain heart diseases, but their use has been diverted (recreational use). Bulbs containing these nitrites produced when opened a noise (“pop”) who gave the name to the product.
The only way to use poppers is by inhaling the product through the nose (more rarely through the mouth).
Are poppers legal in France?
Banned between 2007 and 2011, poppers have been on sale again since 2013 in France. Although it has the effects of a drug, poppers are not currently recognized as such in France since their use and its trade are authorized. “This is the whole paradox: despite their dangers to health and despite the increase in their consumption in a young population, poppers are currently on sale“, wonders Dr. Patrick Aubé.
Who uses poppers?
During the 1970s, their use was limited to the gay community, but it quickly spread to a young audience. Poppers are today one of the most experienced psychoactive products by young people at 17, after alcohol, tobacco and cannabis. “After alcohol, tobacco and cannabis, poppers represent the most experienced psychoactive products by young people from 17 years old“, confirms Dr. Patrick Aubé, general practitioner. In the 2019 edition of its collective work “Drugs and addictions, essential data”, the French Observatory for Drugs and Drug Addiction notes that the consumption of poppers remains high and is on the rise. In effect, 7.3% of 18-64 year olds had used it in their lifetime in 2014, compared to 8.7% in 2017 (Spilka et al., 2018b). The use of poppers during life concerns, at the age of 17, nearly one in ten adolescents (8.8% in 2017, compared to 5.4% in 2014).
What are the commercial names of poppers?
Many trade names are used to designate poppers (non-exhaustive list):
- liquid incense (room odorizer),
- Rush®
- Jungle Juice®
- Pig Juice®
- Fuck Me®
- Sex Line®
- Gate®
- Hot®
- Bronx®
- Girly Power®
- Wesh Cousin®
What are the effects of poppers?
The release of nitric oxide in the body causes smooth muscle relaxationsignificant vasodilation but also a euphoric state in just 15 seconds and whose effect lasts between 5 and 10 minutes. The poppers are famous to improve sexual performance, which is likely to encourage risky behavior. Consumers also seek the sensation of temporary intoxication.
- Intensification of sexual arousal
- Temporary feeling of intoxication
- Improved sexual performance (as inhaled use would facilitate erection, delay ejaculation and increase orgasmic sensations)
What are the dangers and risks of poppers?
“The effect is brief but its consumption is at risk”, warns Dr. Patrick Aubé. Consumption of nitrites can lead to:
- Cerebral, peripheral and genital vasodilation.
- A transformation of hemoglobin into methemoglobin unsuitable for the transport of oxygen in the blood, causing cyanosis.
- Feelings of heat.
- Tachycardias.
- Headaches.
- Nausea, vomiting,
- Arterial hypotension.
- Eye damage (retinal abnormalities, reduced visual acuity, etc.)
- Cardiovascular disease and collapse that can lead to death. (146 serious cases including 6 deaths were recorded in France between 1999 and March 2011 out of 940 cases of exposure to poppers).
- Erectile dysfunction: “The combination of poppers and drugs used in erectile dysfunction (Viagra © and related) can cause a serious drop in blood pressure causing cardiovascular collapse sometimes leading to death.
Where to buy poppers?
You can get poppers in a sex shop, in a tobacco shop or on the Internet.
What is the price of the poppers?
The average price of a 13ml tube is €7.90.
What are the contraindications of poppers?
Consumption during pregnancy is absolutely contraindicated (risk of methemoglobinemia: “blue child” syndrome). Not to mention their many adverse effects: headaches, tachycardia, nausea and vomiting, drop in blood pressure, retinal damage, glaucoma, asthma attack, respiratory depression, chronic irritation of the nasal septums.
Never use poppers near a flame because the product is flammable. Also, by promoting a certain sexual arousal, taking poppers can also promote risk-taking Think about using condoms. Do not multiply doses in a short period of time (risk of overdose) and do not use poppers in combination with Viagra. Do not drive after taking poppers.
Thank you to Dr. Patrick Aubé, general practitioner and author of the book “20 medicinal plants for daily treatment” published by Leduc.S.