Whippets are a slang term for inhalant drugs containing nitrous oxide, also known as "laughing gas." They come from small metal canisters often used in whipped cream dispensers to propel the cream out. People inhale the gas for a brief euphoric high that produces effects like dizziness, calmness, and sometimes hallucinations. The high is short-lived, usually lasting only a few minutes. Whippets are popular among teens and young adults due to the ease of access and the quick, transient high they provide. However, abusing whippets is dangerous because nitrous oxide reduces oxygen flow to the brain, leading to risks such as suffocation, nerve damage, and even sudden death in extreme cases. Though not physically addictive in the way some drugs are, repeated use can cause psychological cravings and serious health harm.
