Rise in Nitrous Oxide Abuse Among US Teens

USA: A concerning trend is emerging among young people, particularly teenagers, who are misusing nitrous oxide as a way to get high. Recent reports, including those published on KTVZ.com by CNN Newsource, reveal that this misuse is often linked to products from Galaxy Gas, an Atlanta-based company that sells whipped cream chargers intended for culinary use. These chargers contain nitrous oxide, a gas typically used to whip cream and other food ingredients, but in the absence of food substances, they can release pure nitrous oxide, leading to a quick high.

The misuse of nitrous oxide, often referred to as “doing whippets,” isn’t new. According to Dr. Gail Saltz, a clinical associate professor of psychiatry at Weill Cornell Medical College, “This practice has been rapidly rising throughout the United States and the United Kingdom.” The rise in misuse has become particularly alarming among young people. In Britain, where possession of nitrous oxide is now illegal, it was the second most-used drug after cannabis in 2020 for individuals aged 16 to 24. Meanwhile, in the Netherlands, increasing numbers of young people misusing the gas have been hospitalized with neurological issues.

Social Media and Peer Pressure Fueling the Trend

The rise in nitrous oxide misuse among teenagers is often fueled by social media, where platforms like TikTok have seen viral videos glorifying the abuse of the gas. Although TikTok has implemented measures to direct users searching for “Galaxy Gas” to substance misuse helplines, videos tagged with slight variations in spelling still amass millions of views.

“The route toward exposure is vastly expanded because of social media,” Saltz explained, underscoring the ease with which young people can access harmful trends online. Some videos, while not directly featuring Galaxy Gas, highlight similar nitrous oxide products from other brands. The colorful packaging and flavor varieties of these products also contribute to their appeal among teenagers, according to experts.

Galaxy Gas Responds to Misuse

Galaxy Gas, whose products are solely intended for culinary purposes, has expressed concern over the recent reports of misuse. In a statement shared by KTVZ.com, a spokesperson for the company stated, “Galaxy Gas products are for responsible culinary use only, and we are deeply concerned about the recent news reports and social media posts of individuals illegally misusing our products.” In response, the company has temporarily halted sales of its whipped cream chargers.

“Both our terms of use and conditions of sale strictly prohibit unlawful use, misuse, or appeal to children,” the spokesperson added. The company also urged individuals or their loved ones who are misusing nitrous oxide products to seek help by calling the Crisis Lifeline at 988 for access to substance abuse resources.

Health Risks Associated with Nitrous Oxide Abuse

Originally intended for medical purposes, such as calming patients during dental procedures, nitrous oxide is generally administered in a controlled environment and in combination with oxygen. However, when inhaled in large, unregulated amounts, the consequences can be severe. “It’s not obliterating the oxygen supply you would otherwise get,” Saltz explained when used in medical settings. But inhaling quick bursts of pure nitrous oxide can lead to oxygen deprivation, resulting in loss of consciousness, heart attacks, or even death.

Other health risks include neurological damage, vitamin B12 deficiency, seizures, and long-term damage to the nervous system. In some cases, repeated misuse can lead to severe outcomes like nerve damage, paralysis, and dependency on the gas. How much exposure it takes to be fatal varies from person to person, but the risks are undeniable, according to the information reported by KTVZ.com.

Educating Teens About the Dangers

In light of these dangers, experts are urging parents to have open conversations with their children about substance misuse, particularly about the dangers of nitrous oxide. “Most parents just think their kid doesn’t know or won’t discover [this trend], because that’s their wish,” Saltz stated. “But really, by the time a kid is a tween, there is every possibility that they are being exposed to all of this and do know.”

Saltz advises starting these discussions before children reach their teenage years, suggesting parents ask their kids open-ended questions about what they have seen on social media or heard from friends. She recommends asking: “Have you heard about this? What do you know, think, and feel about it?” and encouraging children to approach parents with any concerns or questions before experimenting with substances.

It’s also crucial for parents to look out for signs of nitrous oxide misuse, such as empty canisters, unexplained euphoria, or declining academic or athletic performance. If a child asks to buy a whipped cream charger for the household or if a charger goes missing, this could also be a warning sign.

Seeking Professional Help

If parents suspect their child is regularly using nitrous oxide or any other substances, Saltz advises seeking help from a mental health professional who specializes in substance use. “Just asking your child to stop may not be possible,” she cautioned, emphasizing the importance of professional intervention.

With nitrous oxide misuse on the rise, it is more important than ever for parents, educators, and healthcare professionals to remain vigilant and proactive in addressing this troubling trend.