Laughing Gas
‘Laughing Gas might sound fun, but the risks are not to be laughed at’
Nitrous Oxide is a colourless gas that comes in small pressurised metal canisters, usually made for whipping cream cans. You may have spotted these empty canisters littered in local parks or on the street.
We know in East Lothian and Midlothian small numbers of young people are using Nitrous Oxide looking for a temporary ‘high’ by transferring the gas into a balloon to inhale. Nitrous Oxide is often called Laughing Gas because a common reaction is a burst of laughter. As well as causing the ‘giggles’, Nitrous Oxide also has potential to cause serious harm & accidents.
The Effects:
Nitrous Oxide slows down messages between the brain and body, causing temporary feelings of calmness and joy.
Negative effects can include dizziness, headaches or fainting. It can also cause confusion and clouded judgement. Sometimes the user can see or hear things that aren’t real.
The Risks:
Ability to breathe - Nitrous Oxide should never be inhaled directly from the canister as the pressure is so high it could cause a spasm in the throat preventing the ability to breathe. This could cause death.
Oxygen flow - Inhaling Nitrous Oxide can affect oxygen flow to the brain which can cause dizziness, unconsciousness or fainting. In extreme cases, death.
Heart failure - Solvent gases like Nitrous Oxide can cause the heart to beat irregularly, increasing the risk of heart failure, especially for people who have an underlying heart condition. Not everyone who has an underlying health condition are aware of it.
Suffocation - Nitrous Oxide is usually inhaled by transferring the gas into a container like a balloon or bag. A bag should never be placed over the head as this could cause suffocation.
Vitamin B12 deficiency - Heavy use, over a long period, has been linked to a lack of vitamin B12. This can cause nerve damage, leading to pain or tingling in the toes and fingers.
Accidents - Nitrous Oxide can cause the user to become dizzy, confused and panicky making accidents more likely
Harm Reduction:
Best to avoid, especially if you have an underlying health condition
Mixing Nitrous Oxide with other drugs, especially alcohol, increases the risk of harm
Avoid using in a small enclosed space
Users can experience confusion and dizziness, making accidents much more likely. Avoid railway tracks, water or busy roads.
Sit down when using to prevent falling over.
Never inhale directly from the canister. It’s so cold that it could seriously damage the throat and lungs
Inhale small amounts at a time. Judging a safe amount is difficult, so avoid taking a big breath in one go.
Inhaling with a bag over the head could cause suffocation
Sharing balloons with more than one person increases the risk of passing on viruses like Coronavirus
Avoid inhaling Nitrous Oxide alone, so if something does go wrong someone’s there to get help
Keep canisters away from fires, candles, lighters or cigarettes as canisters are highly pressurised and could cause an explosion if near naked flames
Don’t leave canister litter lying about. Dispose of them safely
What to do in an emergency:
If someone is unconscious but breathing, and has no other injuries that would stop them being moved, place them in the recovery position and phone for an ambulance. Stay with them to ensure they continue to breathe normally. If someone is unconscious and not breathing, call 999 and start CPR right away.
More information on Nitrous Oxide can be found at https://www.drugwise.org.uk/nitrous-oxide/
MYPAS provide friendly, confidential and non-judgemental drug and alcohol support for young people in East Lothian and Midlothian . More information can be found at:
www.mypas.co.uk 0131 454 0757 enquiries@mypas.co.uk
