Poppers are slang for a chemical group of substances specifically termed as alkyl nitrites. The term was first used in the 1960s; the chemical drug was used a heart medicine then and made available in capsules, which are “popped” or “cracked” in releasing the chemical. Today, it is used rarely to address heart problem although amyl nitrite can still be used in treating cyanide poisoning. The more popular use of poppers is as recreational drugs, first prevalent in the gay community and then gaining popularity with just about everyone. They take this chemical as fumes that are directly inhaled from small-sized bottles. The poppers available today are affordable and can be acquired easily. They are being sold as substance to deodorize a room, clean leathers, remove nail polish or as effective sex enhancers. One can rely on alkyl nitrites in performing effectively all of these functions.
Accordingly, the use of poppers may involve serious risks. However, it is advertised as legal and safe for use, but new users are encouraged in knowing safety precautions before using the chemical. Although poppers may not be addictive, there is a possibility to promote mental dependency as well as craving for pleasurable effects that they offer.
It was not until the 1960s that poppers were introduced to the gay community. The gay men found out that alkyl nitrites can help in making them feel mentally relaxed. Physically, poppers aid men to increase their sexual arousal and perform anal sex easily with less pain. Other than ecstasy, crystal meth and ketamine that decreased used in the 2000s, the use of poppers are stable and along with several drugs are effective in sex marathons such as party-and-play, where participants can sustain sex for hours without getting tired.
According to a published study of an American psychiatrist in 1982, such inhalable nitrates can pass as the closest substance to a suitable aphrodisiac. During foreplay, the said nitrate posses a certain effect that enables the user in experiencing skin-surfaced sensuality. If inhaled prior to orgasm, user can experience a feeling of exhilaration, which is being free from inhibition and the orgasm is prolonged, elevated and intense. Moreover, back in the 70s and 80s, the study stated that the two compounds that were used widely as poppers are isobutyl nitrite and amyl nitrite. Other formulas were developed since then and the drug may also be referred today as isopentyl nitrite, cyclohexyl nitrite or isoamyl nitrite. They are advertised as “new formulas”, EU formulas, USA-safe formulas or other similar marketing terms.
Accordingly, the poppers that are called as “new formulas” are not any better or purer comparing to the originals. These formulas are the results of non-ending game, which producers of poppers need to play along with the regulating authorities. If the authorities banned one formula, yet another will be devised and presented as having the same effects. Observers stated that among of the three “new formulas” being promoted, the isoamyl can be the nearest to the true poppers.