Popular amongst some adult gay men, poppers are also used by some young people, often at clubs.

Street names
Buying and using
Effects
Problems
The law

Street names

Trade names such as Liquid gold, Rush, Locker Room and TNT.

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Buying and using them

Poppers is the term for the group of chemicals known as alkyl nitrites, some of which used to be a treatment for angina. They are sold in sex shops, clubs, and pubs.

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Effects

People will feel a rushing sensation for a short time as blood pressure is reduced and the heart rate accelerates. Poppers are often taken to enhance sexual activity.

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Problems

Using poppers might make you feel sick and give you a headache. They may make you feel faint and like with most drugs, there is a risk of accidents happening. Swallowing poppers can lead to unconsciousness and occasionally death. Poppers can burn the skin and if they’re mixed with other drugs it’s dangerous because it’s not known what the risks are.

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The law

It’s not illegal to have or use poppers although under the Medicines Act, it may be illegal to sell them.

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