Nitrous Oxide Overview

Nitrous Oxide is a gas that can be inhaled by a drug user. It was originally used as an anesthesthetic for minor surgery in the early 1800’s and was known as laughing gas because of the euphoria it produced in patients.

Nitrous oxide is unique among most drug due to the fact that it can be bought over the counter in most places. This is because the typical use for nitrous oxide is not to get high, but to add to the engine of a car to increase performance. Nitrous is usually sold in balloons at concerts or large outdoor parties. The user will then inhale the balloon to feel a rush.

Nitrous Oxide Side Effects

• Suffocation; People cannot breathe nitrous so if they are inhaling for any length of time they suffocation is a possibility.
• Nausea
• Sleepiness and lack of coordination
• Disorientation
• Loss of Appetite

Nitrous Oxide Addiction

There is no known physiological addiction to Nitrous Oxide inhalation. However, many nitrous users fit the criteria of addiction because they inhale the gas over and over to maintain a high. This can make the oxygen content in the body drop which is dangerous. The user has to inhale Nitrous Oxide repeatedly because the high achieved from inhaling nitrous is fairly short acting.

Nitrous Oxide Treatment

There are no protocols for treating a nitrous addict. Since any addiction would be largely psychological speaking with a mental health professional to treat the underlying cause of the addiction would be a good option. Narcotics Anonymous is also a recommended part of treating most addictions so getting a user involved in a program may be beneficial.

Nitrous Oxide Links

If you would like more information about Nitrous Oxide use, prevention, or any potential side effects please visit the following web sites:

http://www.justsayn2o.com/nitrous.dangers.html http://www.goaskalice.columbia.edu/0579.html http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nitrous_oxide