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What is nitrous oxide? |
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What is nitrous oxide?Nitrous oxide is a colourless gas that people inhale, usually via a balloon. You may have seen these canisters lying around on the street, in fields or areas where young people gather. Nitrous oxide is a depressant drug: it slows down your brain and your body’s responses. In medical settings, it serves as an anaesthetic during various procedures.
Nitrous oxide may commonly be called: ‘Balloons’, ‘Noz’, ‘Nos’, ‘Laughing Gas’, or ‘Hippie Crack’ What are the effects?The effects of nitrous oxide vary on how much you inhale. It can cause feelings of euphoria, relaxation, and calmness, fits of giggles and laughter (hence the term laughing gas), or sound distortions and hallucinations. It can also give you a severe headache, dizziness, and nausea, stop you thinking straight, and cause short-lived but intense feelings of paranoia Heavy, regular use can lead to a deficiency of vitamin B12 which can cause nerve damage and some types of anaemia.
Ten things you need to knowHigh doses of nitrous oxide can lead to health risks, including oxygen deprivation, which may result in convulsions, breathing difficulties , and, in severe cases, heart issues or loss of consciousness. If someone collapses after using nitrous oxide, turn them on to their side, call 999 and stay with them until an ambulance arrives. Nitrous oxide inactivates B12 reserves in the body. Users are reporting tingling in the limbs and prolonged use can cause anemia and a form of nerve damage called peripheral neuropathy. Nitrous oxide produces brief euphoric effects, and the “high” is short-lived, lasting only around up to 2 minutes typically. Inhaling nitrous oxide directly from canisters or using improper equipment can be dangerous and may lead to frostbite or other health issues. Nitrous oxide use can lead to feelings of dizziness, disorientation, and, in some cases, anxiety or panic attacks. It can also worsen pre-existing mental health conditions. Combining nitrous oxide with other substances, such as alcohol or drugs, can amplify the risks and negative effects associated with its use. This can lead to unpredictable and potentially dangerous outcomes. Not everyone has a positive experience with nitrous oxide, and some may experience discomfort, anxiety, or paranoia when using it. Nitrous oxide intoxication can impair coordination and cognitive function, increasing the risk of accidents, particularly when engaged in activities that require alertness, such as driving. Over time, regular nitrous oxide users Symptoms of withdrawal include:Knowledge about the dependance of nitrous oxide is limited. There are no properties that make nitrous oxide physically addictive; however, there is evidence to support its psychological impact. Whilst a person may not experience the ‘typical’ symptoms such as nausea or abdominal cramping, the short ‘high’ that nitrous oxide provides causes people to frequently reuse, meaning people are often using more than they would with any other substances. Constant use and binge use of the drug can cause many physical issues. A lack of B12 may cause fatigue, damaged muscles, paralysis and, in extreme cases, death. | ||
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