Whippets are a type of inhalant drug made from nitrous oxide, and they’re a common cause of addiction, especially in younger people. If you are living with a whippet addiction, one of the most important steps you can take for your well-being is to start a substance abuse treatment program.
At Promises Behavioral Health, we offer the assistance you need to understand inhalant abuse and begin healing. With both inpatient and outpatient programs, we can help you find the right level of care specifically designed to make a difference in your recovery and long-term sobriety.
Inhalant Abuse: What Are Whippets?
“Whippets” is the commonly used name for nitrous oxide, which is a gas that, when inhaled, can lead to cognitive and physical impairment. Although it has significant medical benefits if used correctly, nitrous oxide can also be habit-forming and lead to an addiction.
The gas can have intoxicating effects. You can experience symptoms such as:
- Giddiness
- Euphoria
- Numbness
- Disassociation
- Slurred speech
- Coordination problems
There is a distinction between an addiction to whippets and one to other drugs. Whippets don’t cause the same structural changes in the brain because the drug has less of an impact on dopamine and serotonin. Instead, they produce the high you experience by reducing oxygen and increasing carbon dioxide in the body.
Even though whippets may not lead to the same type of physical issues as other drugs, you can still develop a dependence on them that can put your health at risk.
Negative Health Effects of Whippets
A challenging aspect of inhalant abuse involving whippets is that the sense of euphoria they provide lasts only a very short time. This means that people who have an addiction may turn to it repeatedly, decreasing the amount of oxygen in their bodies.
Whippet misuse can lead to a vitamin B12 deficiency, which can result in muscle atrophy and could require hospitalization. This type of addiction can also cause organ damage over time because of the way whippets can severely decrease the oxygen levels in your blood, putting a lot of pressure on your organs.
Your kidneys and liver can be particularly affected because these are at the end of the oxygen supply chain. This means that there may be less oxygen available to them, leading to organ damage.
Another serious problem is the risk of suffocation. If you inhale a significant amount of nitrous oxide, your oxygen levels can be so low that you asphyxiate.
How Treatment Programs Can Help Whippet Addiction
If you’re living with an addiction to whippets, getting help at a treatment program is vital. There are many types to choose from, depending on your exact needs. For those who would prefer to step away from their normal lives and take time to focus on healing, inpatient programs can be ideal.
If you can’t set aside work or family responsibilities, however, you can turn to outpatient programs that allow you to get hours of care each week without needing to stay at the center. There are various types of outpatient options, too, including partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient programs, and regular outpatient services.
All of these treatments combine hours of individual therapy sessions, where you can uncover what led to the whippet addiction with group therapy sessions. Through a comprehensive program, you can tackle all aspects of inhalant abuse.
Start Your Recovery in a Substance Abuse Treatment Program at Promises Behavioral Health Today
You don’t have to face an addiction to nitrous oxide on your own. With a dedicated team of professionals at your side, you can understand your triggers, manage cravings, and find the path toward healing.
At Promises Behavioral Health, our experienced team offers several evidence-based programs that can target your unique needs. From inpatient to aftercare options, you can receive the full support you deserve. Contact Promises Behavioral Health at 844.875.5609 to begin today. You can also schedule an appointment for an assessment by completing our convenient online contact form.