What Are Whippets? Effects, Dangers and Treatment

Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and does not replace expert medical or mental health advice. Whippet misuse requires a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation by a qualified clinician. So, always refer to a board-certified physician or a licensed mental health specialist for diagnosis and treatment.

Increasingly, young persons are misusing nitrous oxide as a way to get high. In fact, as per recent studies published in the National Library of Medicine (NLM), an estimated 13 million report using nitrous oxide recreationally in the U.S. This is commonly known as “whippets,” wherein a person inhales nitrous oxide from steel canisters - common with whipped cream dispensers. Hence the name. While this can seem innocent and even pleasing, it has its dangers. In this article, we will understand the dangers of nitrous oxide and what is the road to recovery.

Whippets refer to when nitrous oxide is inhaled through whipped cream canisters as a way to get high. They are also known as whip-its or whippits. Whippet use is common among young persons, as it is a cheap way of getting high - like misusing Benadryl or sniffing glue.

Nitrous oxide has been used and prescribed as a pain reliever and has even shown promise as an antidepressant for treatment-resistant major depressive disorder. But it has also been misused since its first synthesis in 1772 in medical and dental circles, and has gained popularity recently via whippets.

Dr. Ryan Peterson, a highly experienced physician at the NuView Treatment Center, says, “You may commonly know nitrous oxide as ‘laughing gas.’ It has been used for more than a century in medical and dental circles as a pain reliever. When it is inhaled, as with whippets, it gives rise to a high or euphoria. On the flip side, it impacts oxygen supply in the brain, and can lead to disorientation, organ damage, and even death.”

When you initially use whippets, it feels good - it leads to a high, relaxation, and lightheadedness - but only for a few minutes. On the flip side, you can also experience:

• Drowsiness
• Dizziness
• Impaired cognition and memory
• Blurred vision
• Slurred speech
• Tingling and numbing sensations in the body
• Fainting.

Whippets, or nitrous oxide, adversely impact oxygen and lead to asphyxiation and respiratory depression. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warns of other dangers, such as:

• Brain damage
• Liver damage
• Kidney damage
• Weakened immune system
• Breathing troubles
• Death.

As per a 2025 NLM report on U.S. nitrous oxide mortality, between 2010 and 2023, there were more than 1200 deaths attributed to nitrous oxide poisoning. In 2023 itself, there were more than 150 deaths - which is more than a 500% increase from 2010. Whippet use has increasingly become a danger, given the increasing use, which is why spotting the early signs can lead to early intervention and greater chances of recovery.

Some of the telling signs of whippet addiction are:

• Mood changes, with sudden highs
• Social circle changes
• Memory lapses
• Impaired coordination
• Slurred speech
• Facial discoloration and red spots
• Small, cylindrical silver canisters, dispensers, and balloons lying around.

Dr. Peterson says, “If you recognize or spot any of these signs - it is an indication that you or your loved one can benefit from whippet addiction treatment. Wherever you are, recovery is possible. But early intervention leads to better outcomes and can prevent brain damage and even death.”

Whippet addiction is treated with detox, behavioral psychotherapy, and peer support groups.

• Medically Supervised Detox: Medical detox removes whippet levels from your body under medically supervised conditions to manage cravings and withdrawal symptoms. In some cases, a slow taper can be recommended.
• Behavioral Therapies: Therapies like motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy, contingency management, and 12-Step facilitation therapy are used to change underlying patterns of whippet use and equip you with healthy coping strategies.
• Peer Support Groups: Peer support groups like Narcotics Anonymous and SMART Recovery can provide a safe setting for shared experiences and collective growth.

Dr. Peterson says, “At NuView, we help our clients achieve lasting recovery through our personalized treatment programs for inhalant misuse, including whippet use. However, recovery is not a destination - it is an ongoing journey that deserves your commitment every day.”

Whippet use can turn life-threatening if left untreated - this is why early intervention matters. At NuView, our recovery programs for whippet addiction are personalized to your needs and goals for a whole person healing - from your mind, body, and spirit.

Please do not hesitate to call us at (323) 307-7997 to connect with our experts today!

1. What do whippets look like?

Whippets resemble tiny, cylindrical silver canisters, with the top looking like a bottle neck and a bottom that is rounded. The gas inside is colorless and odorless.

2. Are whippets the same as nitrous oxide?

Yes, whippets refer to nitrous oxide- when it is inhaled through whipped cream canisters.

3. How do whippets impact your mind and body?

When whippets are inhaled, they enter the bloodstream and enter the brain, where they can adversely impact oxygen and lead to asphyxiation, brain damage, organ damage, and even death.

4. How long does a whippet high last?

A whippet high lasts for a few seconds, but it can lead to longer-lasting side effects.

5. Are whippets addictive?

Yes, whippets can lead to compulsive use and physiological dependence. But this can be treated with detox, therapy, and peer support.