Is Nitrous Oxide Dangerous?

Nitrous oxide, also known as simply ‘laughing gas’, is a substance that has found its way into various aspects of life and settings, from medical procedures to recreational use. However, as with many substances, what are the potential risks associated with its use?

In this article, you will find out what you need to know about nitrous oxide.

What Is Nitrous Oxide?

Nitrous oxide is a colourless and odourless gas composed of two nitrogen atoms and one oxygen atom (chemical formula N2O). It is also used in various settings, including for medical, industrial, and recreational purposes:

• Medical Use: Nitrous oxide is commonly used in medical and dental settings as an anaesthetic and analgesic agent. It is administered along with oxygen to induce a state of sedation and pain relief during procedures such as dental work or childbirth. Nitrous oxide has a rapid onset and offset of action, making it suitable for short-term procedures.
• Industrial & Commerical Use: Nitrous oxide is used in industrial settings as a propellant gas, a component in fuel systems for high-performance engines, and the production of certain chemicals. It’s also a food additive used as a preservative.
• Recreational Use: Nitrous oxide is also used recreationally for its euphoric effects, although it has been banned in the UK since November 2023.

What Does Nitrous Oxide Look Like?

As we touched on above, nitrous oxide is an odourless and colourless gas at room temperature and pressure, so in its pure form, you can’t actually see it or smell it. However, it is often stored and transported in pressurised metal cylinders or canisters, which can vary in size depending on the intended use.

Individuals using this substance commonly find it in small metal nitrous oxide canisters. These canisters contain nitrous oxide gas under pressure and are used to charge whipped cream dispensers. The gas is released from the canister when a valve is opened, allowing it to be inhaled for its euphoric effects. This is commonly reported to be taken by transferring the gas into a balloon or a plastic bag and then inhaling nitrous oxide.

What Does Nitrous Oxide Do?

When inhaling nitrous oxide, people often experience a range of effects:

• Euphoria: Nitrous oxide can induce feelings of intense happiness and euphoria, often accompanied by uncontrollable laughter or giggling (hence the name laughing gas).
• Feeling Light-Headed: A sensation of light-headedness or dizziness is common, similar to what you might experience after spinning around in circles.
• Altered Perception: Nitrous oxide can distort sensory perceptions. So, for example, this could mean that sounds seem louder. Feeling disconnected from surroundings or experiencing a dream-like state is also common.
• Feeling Numbness: Nitrous oxide inhalation may cause tingling or numbness in the fingers, toes, or other parts of the body.
• Impaired Coordination: Similar to what we see with alcohol, individuals who have inhaled laughing gas may experience difficulty with coordination and motor skills, making movements feel clumsy or uncoordinated.

Is Nitrous Oxide Dangerous?

Yes, nitrous oxide can be very dangerous. Even with just one use, it carries risks of oxygen deprivation and potential long-term health consequences.

Laughing gas effects can also become even more dangerous when combined with other substances. For example, if an individual were to mix nitrous oxide with alcohol, certain medications or other drugs, it can lead to increased respiratory depression, loss of consciousness, and an elevated risk of overdose.

Common Dangers and Risks Associated With Nitrous Oxide

There are many dangers and risks associated with using nitrous oxide canisters recreationally, which can include nausea, memory loss, increased blood pressure, developing tinnitus and muscle spasms.

Some of the more serious risks are:

• Asphyxiation: Inhaling nitrous oxide directly from pressurised canisters or in large quantities can displace oxygen in the lungs, leading to oxygen deprivation (asphyxiation). If oxygen levels drop too low, this can cause loss of consciousness and fainting. This can also be deadly.
• Mixing Nitrous Oxide: Mixing laughing gas with other substances intensifies its effects and increases the risk of harmful outcomes like respiratory depression, loss of consciousness, and overdose.
• Physical Harm: As we touched on earlier, laughing gas can impair coordination and judgment. Individuals under the influence may be more prone to falls or other mishaps, leading to physical harm.
• Irreversible Brain Damage: Prolonged or heavy use of nitrous oxide can lead to vitamin B12 deficiency, resulting in neurological damage. Symptoms may include numbness, weakness, and cognitive impairment. In severe cases, this damage may be irreversible.
• Addiction: Nitrous oxide itself is not considered highly addictive, but some individuals may develop psychological dependence on the drug.
• Legal Consequences: The recreational use of nitrous oxide is now banned here in the UK and has been labelled a Class C substance. So, recreational use of nitrous oxide could now mean up to 2 years in prison. If you’re caught supplying others with laughing gas, it could mean 14 years in prison.

Find Support for Nitrous Oxide Abuse Today

If you’re taking nitrous oxide and worried you may be developing a problem, or if you’re experiencing negative consequences from its use, don’t hesitate to seek help. Call our team today on 0151 268 6992 for free, impartial and confidential advice.

Posted on Friday, April 12th, 2024 at 4:17 pm in Addiction, Latest News.