Whip-its – The Latest Addiction Trend among Teenagers
>> Nov 23, 2012
Demi
Moore’s hospitalization and check-in at rehab centers or sober living homes after suffering
from seizures then passing out has brought whip-its to the spotlight. Whip-its
have been one of the most widely used recreational inhalants among many
Americans since the ‘90s. But it was only after Moore’s breakdown during a
nasty divorce from husband Ashton Kutcher that whip-its have been placed under
close scrutiny once again.
 |
|
/image:sheknows.com/
|
Recent
reports from the SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services
Administration) show that whip-its have become the leading recreational
inhalant in the US, with over 12 million Americans using it and trying it at
least once. But what exactly are whip-its and how come many teens are using
them?
Whip-its
are small canisters of whipped cream filled with nitrous oxide otherwise known
as - laughing gas. When you inhale this nitrous oxide either from a canister or
tank, it can give you that temporary high that can last a few seconds or a few
minutes. What’s sad about Moore’s case is that the actress is 49 years old –
supposedly too old for this juvenile trip. Whip-its are used mostly by
teenagers who are looking for some cheap thrill.
Cheap
– this is the reason why many teenagers are so into it. Since whip-its are
pretty cheap and are very much available anywhere, teens have all the access to
this laughter-inducing but risky activity. What they don’t know is that
although whip-its can give them a few seconds or minutes of momentary high,
they can be fatal. Dr. Westley Clark, the Director of SAMHSA’s Center for
Substance Abuse Treatment, said that inhaling nitrous oxide can interrupt
oxygen supply to the brain. This can consequently cause severe effects on the nervous
system, the heart, and other vital organs.
Long-term
effects of nitrous oxide abuse are absolutely no laughing matter. It can cause
nerve damage and peripheral neuropathy or the loss of sensation. Vomiting is also
a typical side effect. But the worst part is, whip-it abusers can suffer from
seizures and even cardiac issues and death when the brain is left without the
needed supply of oxygen. This is exactly why abusers and parents alike must
seek help from rehab centers and sober living homes for
early treatment.
In
2008, a 19-year old college student in Illinois died due to whip-its. His cause
of death was asphyxiation due to inhalation of nitrous oxide. His body was
found in a fraternity house. This was alarming, but what’s even more disturbing
for concerned parents and groups is that although some states have passed laws to
stop the use of whip-its or inhalation of nitrous oxide, experts argue that the
use of whip-its is generally left unregulated by authorities. The reason for
this may be due to the fact that nitrous oxide is undetectable when users are
tested.
 |
|
/image:www.drugfree.org/
|
Because
there are no strict laws regulating its use and since whip-its are pretty much available
anywhere, either at the grocery stores or online shops, whip-its have become
the most popular recreational drug among teenagers and young adults. Hop online
and you’ll see quite a growing number of online retailers selling large numbers
of whip-its to customers who aren’t even asked their age or reason for
purchase.
Until
the government does something concrete to control whip-its, parents must take
extra precautions and know when their children are showing signs of substance
abuse. While it’s still early, such issues need to be addressed so children/teens
are more aware of consequences and they can make wiser choices. Treatment must
also be sought from professionals in licensed rehab facilities and sober living
homes.
A Guest Post by Roger Navidad Pahuriray. Read more...
