Poppers, A New Recreational Drug Craze ^*

Abstract

The study was conducted to obtain information on the recreational use of the vasodilators (RVs) amyl nitrite and butyl nitrite in Toronto. The results of 70 interviews (40 complete) indicate that sniffing these RVs gives a 'high' lasting from a few seconds to a few minutes with headache being the most common side effect. None of the more serious side effects mentioned in the literature were reported. RVs are used chiefly in conjunction with sexual activities and dancing. Their use is currently a craze amongst the male homosexual population.