Associated names
Ram, Trust, Rock Hard, Kix, TNT, and Liquid Rock.

 

Appearance
Poppers come as a clear or straw-coloured liquid in a small bottle or tube, and are usually breathed in through the mouth or nose.

 

Legal status
Amyl Nitrite is a prescription medicine. Possession is not illegal, but supply can be an offence.

 

Quality
If spilled Poppers can burn the skin, and may be fatal if swallowed.

 

Effects
Users get a very brief but intense 'head rush'. This is caused by a sudden surge of blood through the heart and brain. Blood vessels enlarge (dilate) resulting in a flushed face and neck.

Some users say they experience the impression of time slowing down. The effects fade two to five minutes after using it. If used as a recreational drug it can produce quite a euphoric feeling (but the buzz only lasts for a short time similar to laughing gas).

The basic effect is to cause all of the muscles of the body to relax. Poppers are not physically addictive.

 

Risks
Poppers can make some users feel sick and faint. It is quite usual to have a headache afterwards, which can be quite painful.

Regular use can cause skin problems particularly around the nose and mouth. For people who suffer from the following this can be extremely dangerous, anaemia, glaucoma, breathing and / or heart problems.

People with suppressed immune systems should avoid them as well. All forms of poppers are highly flammable; don't use them if you're smoking or have candles nearby. Nitrites are harmful if swallowed and burn the skin.