Youths and young adults in the United States are putting their lives at risk in their search for a euphoric high, with the recreational use of nitrous oxide, colloquially known as whippits, escalating rapidly. Although nitrous oxide serves as an anesthetic in medical and dental procedures and a whipping agent in food preparation, some people misuse it recreationally for its short-lived relaxing effect by inhaling it directly from canisters, according to experts.
The rising trend of nitrous oxide misuse has caught the attention of experts, including Dr. Tova Gardin, a neuroimmunologist and psychiatrist. Gardin has stressed the importance of understanding and detecting nitrous usage early, as this could help reverse severe neurologic complications associated with its misuse.
The surge in popularity of whippits, also known as “hippie crack,” is attributed to three main factors. The first factor is the accessibility of whippits, which are easy to obtain and use. The second is their growing online popularity and virality, particularly among the younger population. The third is marketing tactics specifically aimed at young consumers.
Experts are particularly worried about the hazardous health ramifications of using whippits. Overdoses can prove fatal, and even nonfatal usage can lead to neurological damage among other severe complications. However, the dangerous nature of the substance is often overlooked as its legality may create an illusion of safety, according to Austin Lim, a professor of neuroscience.
The embracing of whippits by influencers, celebrities, and teenagers on social media platforms such as TikTok has fueled the trend further. This has led to a false sense of trust among young consumers, who might be misled into believing the substance is harmless. This dangerous assumption has prompted TikTok to ban any content relating to whippits.
The misrepresentation of the substance by content creators is an issue that needs to be addressed. Frequent usage or an overdose can lead to adverse health effects, such as memory loss, brain and nerve damage, loss of muscle control, disruption to the reproductive system, fainting, heart attack, and even death.
The way nitrous oxide is classified presents another issue. As it is not classified as a controlled substance by the Drug Enforcement Administration, its sale and usage for its original purposes is legal. This enables companies to sell nitrous oxide as an ingredient for food and beverages online and in stores. The lack of an age restriction on buying the substance in all states except New York makes it widely accessible for illegal recreational usage.
The branding and marketing strategies of nitrous oxide companies also come under scrutiny. These companies are accused of targeting young customers by offering nitrous oxide in various flavors and packaging them in attractive neon colors, despite claiming their products are meant solely for culinary use. This is creating a misperception of the substance as enjoyable and safe, muffling potential health concerns.
In a statement, Galaxy Gas, a nitrous oxide company, expressed their concern about the misuse of their products. These concerns and rising alarm over the dangers of using whippits have led to urgent calls for health institutions and worth mentioning, legislators, to spread awareness about the dangers of nitrous oxide misuse and enforce stricter regulations on its sale and usage.
The alarming rise in the popularity of whippits underscores the need for effective measures to counter this trend. Its risks need to be clearly communicated, with stricter legislation implemented to regulate nitrous oxide usage. Only through such measures can we ensure our young population is adequately informed and protected from the potential harm caused by this dangerous substance.
