You have probably heard about “whippets drug.” But did you know it is Nitrous Oxide in a canister? Whippets have been abused ever since Nitrous was identified as a potent anesthetic (a drug that relieves pain) in the late 18th century. Nitrous oxide abuse has been linked to 20 reported occurrences of fatalities in recent times. Therefore, inhaling Whippets is not only illegal but also harmful. If you or a loved one is addicted to Whippets drugs, here are the top 3 ways drug rehabs can help with Whippets drug abuse!
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What Are Whippets Drugs (Nitrous Oxide)?
Whippets are considered one of the most commonly abused inhalant drugs and are a form of nitrous oxide, also commonly known as “laughing gas” or “hippy crack,” They are steel cartridges filled with nitrous oxide. The gas in steel cartridges is highly concentrated, and a person inhaling it is therefore at a high risk of an overdose.
Whippets, another name for whipped cream canisters, are widely abused by teenagers as recreational drugs. Whippets are easily found online, at gas stations, and in grocery shops and can give a short but intense euphoric feeling. Hence, adolescents utilize these cartridges as an inexpensive means of “getting high.”
Here is how teens can abuse Whippets as Inhalants:
- By breathing the fumes in confined, concentrated areas; commonly
- Enclosing the canister and the user’s head in a bag or face mask
- Transferring the gas to a balloon and inhaling it from there
Teenagers who use inhalants are at a higher risk of becoming delinquent, depressed, suicidal, and using drugs and alcohol. If you are a parent of a teen who is showing signs of Whippet abuse, contact Choice at 844.445.2565 and enroll your teen in our special Student Addiction Treatment Program.
Why Is Whippets Drug Abuse Dangerous?
When you inhale nitrous oxide, it gives an instant “high,” and therefore abusing the Whippets drug excessively for a long time can result in severe neurological disorders. In extreme cases, even deaths have been reported.
Whippet drug abuse is dangerous because:
- Inhaling it can make you feel giddy and euphoric
- It can be deadly if mixed with alcohol
- Under Whippet high, a person may lose control over their body
- It may cause seizures or heart attacks.
- Overdose can push a person into a coma
- It is highly addictive and easily accessible
Common Side Effects of Whippets Drug Abuse
As inhaling whippets to get “high” is illegal and can be extremely dangerous, the following are the side effects of inhaling whippets;
- Asphyxia
- Vitamin B12 deficiency
- Damage to peripheral nerves
- Memory problems
- Fainting
- Numbness
- Weakened immune system
- Paranoia
Whippets, despite the widespread misconception that they are benign, can be extremely hazardous and even lead to sudden death. Looking for safe and effective rehabilitation in New Jersey? Contact ChoicePoint and start addiction treatment today!
Top 3 Ways Drug Rehab Can Help With Whippets Drug Abuse
As we have learned, abusing nitrous oxide or Whippets can be life-threatening. Therefore, The best way to deal with your whippet drug abuse is to seek timely help from an addiction rehab center. Here are the top 3 ways drug rehab can help with Whippets drug abuse:
1. Change Perspective By Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Bad behaviors can direct a person towards abusing drugs or alcohol. Similarly, behavioral therapy can draw an addict closer to a healthy lifestyle. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is often used in drug rehabs to treat addiction by helping the patient recognize negative triggers.
Here is how Using Cognitive behavioral therapy helps treat Whippet’s drug abuse:
- Helps to change the patient’s perspective about an addiction
- Evolve the emotions of shame and guilt to replace them with a healthy coping mechanism
- Strengthen the willpower to fight Whippet addiction
- Address problems and feelings that lead to Whippet abuse
2. Offer Outpatient Rehab That Fits Your Schedule
A crucial step toward sobriety is deciding to enroll in a rehab that should not conflict with your personal or work life. Outpatient addiction treatment programs let you maintain a healthy balance in life while you receive addiction treatment. The best part of receiving an Outpatient treatment to treat Whippets drug abuse is:
- Easy-to-follow and flexible schedules
- No need to take time off from work
- Can go home after therapy sessions
- Easily carry on with daily life activities
3. Provide Co-occurring Disorders Treatment
When speaking about treating physical dependence on the Whippets drug, it is important to note it can have serious effects on one’s mental health. Most of the people who abuse Whippets drugs find themselves struggling with unexplained mental health issues, such as;
- Depression
- Anxiety
- PTSD
- Bipolar disorder
Therefore, patient-oriented and professional drug rehabs offer dual-diagnosis treatment as a holistic approach to help addicts recover fully, both physically and mentally. During a co-occurring disorders treatment program, you can expect the following:
- Get treatment for mental health and substance abuse at the same time
- Get professional evaluation and diagnosis
- Use of medication along with behavioral therapies
- Therapy sessions that will change your lifestyle
- Constant support to stay sober through the recovery process
Are you or someone you love struggling to get help with Whippet’s drug abuse? Our doctors at ChoicePoint use an FDA-approved MAT program to help you recover. Just call at 844.445.2565 and schedule an in-person or a virtual appointment.
ChoicePoint Drug Rehab Can Help With Whippets Drug Abuse
ChoicePoint is a co-occurring addiction treatment center in Fairlawn, New Jersey, and Montana, that is equipped to offer therapy and treatment for inhalant abuse, including Whippet drugs. Our services include:
a) Ambulatory Detox (ASAM Level I-D and II-D)
Detoxifying the body from years of abuse may be harder than it sounds. At ChoicePoint, our DEA-Certified doctors provide close supervision and medical detox to help you with withdrawal symptoms. Onsite monitoring of a patient helps doctors to provide urgent help if things go sideways.
b) Outpatient Treatment (ASAM Level I)
Outpatient treatment is perfect for patients with a busy schedule. Outpatient addiction treatment programs may provide assistance with medical appointments, family therapy sessions, psychotherapy, and counseling. At ChoicePoint, the scheduled sessions are led by addiction specialists or qualified clinicians. The total care package includes evaluation, treatment, and recovery follow-up services. We offer Medical Counseling using the FDA-approved MAT program along with targeted Therapies (CBT and DBT)
c) Intensive Outpatient Treatment (ASAM level of care 2.1)
Intensive Outpatient Treatment is for addicts who are suffering from severe addiction. Intensive Outpatient Treatment may last for 90 days or longer, depending on the severity of the addiction. During the Intensive Outpatient Program, the addicts are treated to meet their complex demands. Patients may join the program anytime during the day, including before or after work, in the evening, on the weekends, or both.
d) Counseling And MAT Medicines
Medication-assisted therapy (MAT) includes using medicines along with counseling and behavioral therapies to treat addiction. It may help people achieve and sustain recovery. The psychological impulses and withdrawal symptoms that cause chemical imbalances in the body may be treated by FDA-approved MAT medications effectively.
At ChoicePoint, our doctors use the following medications to treat addiction:
These medications may stop the effects of drugs or inhalants like the Whippet drug. Moreover, counseling and Addiction therapy may help patients to rethink their choices and teach them ways to cope with drug (or inhalant) abuse.
ChoicePoint offers the following therapies:
1. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Aims to change the ingrained negative beliefs that underlie and amplify emotional difficulties, depression, and anxiety. CBT helps you identify negative patterns and then develop a coping mechanism.
2. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Aims to teach patients how to be present, develop healthy stress coping methods, control their emotions, and improve interpersonal relationships. It helps people who have developed self-destructive behaviors due to their addictions.
3. Group and Individual Therapy
Aims to bring the family and loved ones of the addict closer to each other. The main goal is to help the patient realize that they have a support system that wants to see them recover and start living a sober life.
e) Dual Diagnosis Program for Co-occurring Disorders
Mental health issues should not be ignored while treating physical dependence. Therefore, ChoicePoint offers a dual diagnosis addiction treatment program to address the underlying mental health issues that a person with a substance(or inhalant) use disorder may have in addition to the addiction. Dual-diagnosis treatment may help you to achieve a sustainable recovery.
Wrapping Up 3 Ways Drug Rehab Can Help With Whippets Drug Abuse
As established above, Nitrous oxide can be misused in the form of whippets. Due to its easy accessibility, people often ignore that this inhalant is just as harmful as any other addictive substance. Whippets are commonly abused by teenagers. Its misuse can cause cognitive impairment and hallucinations, among other side effects. Consequently, the side effects of Whippets drug abuse can have long-lasting harmful effects on the mental, psychological, and physical health of the abuser. Therefore, whippets drug abuse should be treated in time by seeking drug rehab. Drug rehab can help with Whippet’s drug abuse by helping you detox your body from toxins and by teaching you to cope with feelings that lead to substance abuse. So, if you or a loved one is suffering from Whippets drug abuse, contact ChoicePoint, an addiction treatment center, and get addiction treatment.
Medical Disclaimer:
ChoicePoint aims to improve the quality of life for people struggling with substance use disorder and mental health issues. Our team of licensed medical professionals research, edit and review the content before publishing. However, this information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For medical advice please consult your physicians or ChoicePoint's qualified staff.