Amyl – Medium to High Risk

Thanks for using our self-assessment tool; you have indicated that you are using amyl at a medium-high level.

We know that using inhalants such as amyl can have desirable short term effects like increased feelings of pleasure and euphoria but you’re probably also well aware that using inhalants such as amyl can have short term negative effects like increased heart rate, light headedness and difficulty getting or maintaining an erection.

Long term negative effects of using inhalants such as amyl can include:  skin legions, skin difficulties, and increased pressure in your eyes.

To reduce the risks and harms associated with amyl use, the safest option is not to use it. However the good news is that if you stop using amyl, your focus will improve and you reduce your risk of incurring brain damage.

If you would like to cut down your amyl use check out our resources section , Touchbase (an LGBTI focused website for alcohol and other drug information and support) or the World Health Organisation self-help manual.

Maybe it’s time to get in touch with ACON’s Substance support team? Substance Support provides confidential and FREE short term counselling for LGBTI people and people living with HIV seeking support in relation to their use of alcohol and other drugs. Substance Support counsellors’ work from a harm reduction approach to assist clients reach their goals to manage use, reduce or quit.

You can contact Substance Support here or on (02) 9206 2000. Counselling not your thing? You can also call the alcohol and drug information service (ADIS). ADIS is a 24 hour telephone based information , education, referral and support service call 9361 8000 in Sydney or 1800 422 599 (non-metro areas).

To help reduce the harms of amyl use keep in mind that mixing amyl with stimulant type drugs such as methamphetamine, ecstasy, or cocaine can  increase blood pressure which can result in  having a stroke; and mixing with erectile dysfunction medication such as Viagra® can result in blacking out or a fatal drop in blood pressure.