March Issue v

news 5
Graphics and design by Anna Wang ‘22 • Photography by Izzy Antanavicius ‘22
the weird world
of whippets
These seemingly innocent canisters pack a big punch and can lead to severe brain damage
with continuous use.
By PRESLEY DAGGETT ‘21
The top definition of whippets
in the esteemed Urban Dictionary
is: “Nitrous oxide found
in small metal canisters used as
an inhalant drug to get high.” The word
is used in a sentence for context, quoting
an anonymous blogger: “We got hella
high off some whippets last night.”
Whippets, whippits, or whip-its are
all titles for the same drug, which gets its
nickname for being used in whipped cream
dispensers. These seemingly innocent canisters
pack a big punch and can lead to
severe brain damage with continuous use.
Nitrous oxide, the gas found in whippets,
was first administered as a pain reliever
by Dr. Horace Wells in 1844. Nowadays,
it’s commonly used in the medical
field as low-grade laughing gas for minor
surgeries or procedures because of its
anti-anxiety and pain-relieving qualities.
Unfortunately, these same qualities
are also the ones that draw many teens
and young adults to misuse whippets.
The hazardous drug prevents oxygen
from getting to the brain, producing
an instantaneous high that only lasts a
few minutes. Users experience giddiness
and dissociative effects, but it’s all at
the high cost of killing brain cells. Withdrawal
symptoms of nitrous oxide are
similar to those of alcohol; users suffer
headaches, nausea, insomnia, and anxiety.
Nitrous oxide is safe when prescribed
by a professional because doctors
can monitor the patient’s oxygen
levels. But when used recreationally, it
can be highly addictive. The rapid high
that whippets produce encourages repeated
use and escalates the risk of addiction
among users. Quick, consecutive inhalation
is life-threatening because oxygen
is blocked from reaching the brain.
According to a survey conducted by
the Substance Abuse Mental Health Services
Administration, approximately two
million people aged 12 or older had used inhalants
–– such as gases, aerosols, and, most
commonly, nitrites –– between 2015-2018.
Of those two million, an estimated 662,000
were between the ages of 12-17 years old.
Sammy Baron ‘20, currently a freshman
at Tulane University, noted that at her
school, a large part of the student body is
well aware of the use of whippets on campus.
“Students will discuss how they
really lost association with their surroundings
after taking one, or students
will talk about how someone who constantly
takes them has become progressively
more spaced-out,” Baron said.
The familiarity of household products
that contain nitrous oxide, such as whipped
cream canisters, creates a false sense of security
for many whippet users. The low cost
and wide-spread availability of these canisters
also increase the possibility of abuse.
Many college students who use
whippets are unaware of their potentially
life-changing, even life-ending consequences.
High schools and colleges
are supposed to prepare young adults for
their futures. In addition to focusing on
academics, their curriculums should include
education to ensure young adults
have a viable future, and this education
must now include the dangers of whippets.
Whippets have been on the streets for a
long time, but they’ve become increasingly
popular among the party scene at many colleges
and high schools in the last ten years.
TOP DEFINITION
whippets
INGREDIENTS: HEAVY CREAM, WATER,
SUGAR, NONFAT MILK, LESS THAN
2% OF: MONO- AND DIGLYCERIDES,
NATURAL FLAVOR, CARRAGEENAN,
CELLULOSE GUM. PROPELLANT:
NITROUS OXIDE. CONTAINS: MILK.
Nitrous oxide found in small metal cannisters used in refillable whipped cream
cannisters. Used as an inhalant drug to get high.
“we got hella high off some whippets last night”
Nitrous oxide inhalant whipped cream drug
by justaperson888 August 01, 2010
676 206
according to urbandictionary.com