By Troy Tolley
So you wanna get high, huh? Before you do, make sure you know the facts and the effects — both good and bad — of the most common semi-legal highs that are available. If you decide to explore these methods of getting high, you should always experiment at low dosages and very small quantities to help you discover your own limits and boundaries. And NEVER allow another person to coerce you into doing something you don't feel comfortable with. If you enjoy some of these things, that's your own decision. But you should make it a point not to try convincing others to do the same. Like alcohol or other intoxicants, these substances should be used only in moderation — if at all. Many of the adverse effects of these substances can be avoided by not using them regularly or at high dosages. You are much better off learning to do something new and creative than turning to drugs for fulfillment, but if you decide to make them a part of your life, the following facts may help to make you a bit more informed.
When it comes to relative safety, most of the methods of intoxication listed below affect only a very small percentage of users with addiction or death. But using any drug, whether legal or illegal, is always a gamble because it involves introducing foreign substances and altering your natural chemistry and thought processes.
Experimenting with drugs can be fun and just another small part of life, but don't be a fool and end up walking around with spray paint staining your lips — or looking puffed up and zombified from poppers and paint thinners. And for god's sake —don't end up on MTV's hit series, Intervention! When it comes right down to it, you will be much cooler and more happy in life by NOT doing drugs than you will be if you end up becoming a bumbling, staggering, stinky addict. So use your head and make wise decisions.
DRUG: Alkyl Nitrates
Street Names: Poppers, liquid gold, tnt, rush, stud, stag, ram, snappers, bananas, hi-tech, rave, bullet, locker room, amys
What it is: A gold liquid most-often sold in small bottles or vials
History: Used in the treatment of Angina
Where to find: Sex shops
How to use: Inhaled deeply through the mouth or nose. Onset of effects in about 30 seconds
Pros: Thirty seconds to five minutes of slowed perception of time, relaxation of sphincter, light-headedness, heightened sexual arousal
Cons: Headaches, dizziness, vomiting, and fainting. Has been inked to auto-immune deficiencies such as AIDS
DRUG: Anesthetic Inhalants (nitrous oxides)
Street Names: Whip-Its, whipped cream, rush, laughing gas, hippie crack, medusa, moon gas, oz, buzz bomb
What it is: Gas emitted from aerosol cans such as whipped cream (Whip-It) and from nitrous oxide refill cartridges and tanks
History: Used as an anesthetic by dentists and as a propellant in aerosols
Where to find: Chef supply stores or large hardware stores
How to use: Gas is released into balloons or plastic bags and then inhaled from them. With whipped cream refills (Whip-It is a brand name) a small metal tool called a "cracker" is used to liberate the gas from the small metal cartridges, which look like shotgun shells and sell for around $10 per dozen at chef supply stores. Pros: Immediate effect is similar to being drunk, with short term euphoria and a lowering of inhibitions. Fairly "safe" when used in moderation Cons: Frozen lips, sudden death from frozen lung passages, dizziness, hallucinations, accidents, severe mood swings
DRUG: Volatile Solvents Street Names: Huff, hardware, heart-on, high ball, honey, kick, quicksilver What it is: Fumes emitted from certain cleaning fluids, gasoline, markers, lighter fluids, paint strippers, nail polishes, and polish removers History: A by-product of manufacturing Where to find: Local hardware store or office supply store How to use: Most commonly, deep inhalation of fumes directly from the source Pros: Immediate effect is similar to being drunk, with short term euphoria and a lowering of inhibitions
Cons: Sudden death from heart failure or suffocation; rashes; stomach cramps; permanent damage to major organs if prolonged usage
DRUG: Ephedrine Street Name: Herbal Ecstasy, Cloud 9 What it is: A combination of herbs in pill form History: Often used in diet supplements Where to find: Health food stores and general drug stores How to use: Usually swallowed, snorted, or smoked Pros: Heightened energy, creativity, and sense of intimacy Cons: Heart attack, stroke, seizures
DRUG:Dextromethorphan Street names: DXM, Tussin, Robo, Skittles, Triple C What it is: The drug found in most over-the-counter cough medicines History: Used for transitional treatment of heavy addicts; as cough suppressant Where to find: Drug stores where cough medicines are sold — particularly Robitussin and Coricidin Cough & Cold How to use: Users typically drink or ingest extremely high dosages Pros: Total stress relief and euphoria Cons: Serious addiction, withdrawals, numbness, foaming, and nausea
NOTICE: Many of the activities discussed in this article are dangerous and illegal. Cybersocket does not endorse the use of these substances. This article serves only to educate readers about what is occurring so that they can make informed decisions.
