For many of us, sex is a huge part of our lives, and for some, poppers have become a part of that experience. Those small bottles with clear liquid have been around for decades, a familiar presence in the LGBTQ+ community, used to enhance pleasure and relax the muscles. But while poppers might seem harmless, they can be pretty addictive – and that’s where things can get complicated. Whether you’re someone who’s tried them before or just curious about what they’re all about, it’s worth taking a closer look at how poppers can impact our sex lives and our health.

What Are Poppers Drugs?

Poppers are inhalant drugs that are commonly bought and sold for recreational use at parties. People use them because they cause a euphoric high that enhances pleasurable experiences, including sex. Additionally, some individuals use them after taking other recreational drugs like MDMA or cocaine to prevent the crash or low feeling as the effects from those substances wear off.

Poppers are made from a class of drugs called alkyl nitrites. Poppers contain alkyl nitrites. Their composition varies; they should not be assumed to contain prescription amyl nitrite. They typically come in small, amber-colored bottles, and the liquid inside is inhaled directly. Because they are usually labeled as “room deodorizers” or “leather cleaners” to circumvent drug regulations, poppers are often legally sold in adult shops, certain convenience stores and online, though their legality varies by country.

Inhaling or swallowing poppers can cause serious harm, including difficulty breathing, dangerously low blood pressure, methemoglobinemia (a blood disorder that reduces oxygen delivery), and seizures. The FDA has warned that ingesting or inhaling nitrite poppers can cause severe injury or death.

Poppers, Sex And The LGBTQ+ 

Poppers’ use for sex has been common within the LGBTQ+ community, particularly among gay and bisexual people. This is especially true in clubs, at house parties and at on-site sex venues, where drugs and sex have gone hand in hand.  With the arrival of dating apps like Grindr, access to drugs and sex has become easier than ever before.  While ease of access is partially responsible for the explosion of addiction to poppers amongst LGBTQ+ people, it is more complex than that. For many, popper is the solution to some of the struggles they face. Some gay and bisexual individuals may feel intense pressure to be hot, party and have lots of sex. By taking poppers, they feel more attractive, more sexually desirable and better able to participate in activities within the LGBTQ+ community. For gay and bisexual people who have internalized homophobia or who feel shame about their sexual desires, poppers offer a temporary escape and a doorway to their wildest fantasies. 

Why Do People Use Poppers For Sex?

With so many risks attached to using drugs for sex, one may ask why LGBTQ people especially gay and bisexual people engage in this type of behavior. There are a couple of reasons for this.

First, using substances like poppers during sex numbs uncomfortable emotions regarding gay sex such as shame, embarrassment, and internalized homophobia. As long as the substance numbs the person’s emotions, they’re able to enjoy sex without feeling guilty.

Second, poppers heighten confidence and sexual desire. For some gay men, this results in ‘better’ sex. This happens because the intensity of drugs and sex together hijack the brain’s reward circuitry and provide people with a better sexual experience.

Lastly, those who regularly use poppers for sex can quickly become dependent on them. Having sex without drugs no longer provides the same rewards because the brain is hijacked, so more drugs are needed to get the same effect. Tolerance also results in escalated drug use, the need for more sexual encounters, and possible sexual dysfunction.

When Is It Worth Seeking Support?

Some questions that can help start a conversation with a qualified clinician:

  • Are you using poppers more often than you intend?
  • Have you tried to reduce your use and found it difficult?
  • Are you continuing despite unwanted effects on your health, relationships or daily life?
  • Does using them interfere with boundaries you want to maintain?

These questions can help start a conversation with a qualified clinician. They are not a diagnostic checklist. Partner count, relationship structure and sexual preferences do not establish addiction.

Why Is It Dangerous?

In the short term, people who use poppers for sex feel invulnerable to harm or risk. This results in more risk-taking behaviors like engaging in condomless sex. Poppers are inhaled, not injected, so sharing needles is not a risk specific to their use. Sexual activities involving exposure to HIV or other sexually transmitted infections carry their own risks; prevention options include condoms and, for HIV, PrEP. 

Other short-term side effects of using poppers for sex include: 

  • Aggression
  • Paranoia
  • Hallucinations
  • Overdose

Long-term use of poppers is linked to decreased sexual functioning and intimacy struggles. Additionally, tolerance and withdrawal occur with frequent and excessive use of this substance associated with sex. Over time, the individuals can become dependent, and many need professional help to overcome their addictions. 

If you want support with sex and substance use, our guides discuss sober sex and intimacy after chemsex and recognizing chemsex triggers and cravings.

Find Help For Addiction At Inspire Recovery 

If you or your LGBTQ+ loved one is struggling with popper use, there’s help available. Inspire Recovery offers addiction treatment programs designed to address every aspect of substance use disorders. Our team of healthcare professionals is dedicated to helping patients achieve lasting recovery and rebuild their lives.

Call 561-725-9877 or reach out online today for more information on our treatment programs and how we can support you or a loved one on the journey toward sobriety.

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions


Why do some gay and bisexual individuals use poppers for sex?


Some gay and bisexual individuals use poppers for sex because they can help numb uncomfortable emotions related to sex, such as shame, embarrassment, and internalized homophobia. Poppers can also heighten confidence and sexual desire, leading to what some people perceive as ‘better’ sex. Additionally, poppers can provide a temporary escape from the stresses and anxieties of everyday life. However, this temporary escape can turn into addiction. For some individuals, using poppers becomes a way to cope with the trauma and stigma associated with being a gay or a bisexual person.

What are the risks associated with using poppers for sex?


Using poppers for sex can have serious health risks, including increased heart rate and blood pressure, which can lead to heart problems and strokes. Poppers can also cause dizziness, headaches, and nausea, and can lead to addiction and dependence. Furthermore, using poppers can increase the risk of engaging in high-risk sexual behaviors, such as unprotected sex, which can lead to the transmission of HIV and other STIs. Long-term use of poppers can also lead to decreased sexual functioning and intimacy struggles.