The Disturbing Rise in Nitrous Oxide Abuse

Nitrous Oxide, often referred to as “laughing gas,” has been a staple in medical practices since the late 1790s. The gas, used as an anesthetic, is especially popular in dentistry, commonly employed in procedures such as tooth extractions. It reduces pain and induces a state of relaxation, leading to feelings of euphoria, which makes it desirable for recreational abuse. Additionally, nitrous oxide is used in the food industry to pressurize canisters like those for whipped cream. Due to its widespread use in the restaurant industry, it is sold in small metal canisters that can be easily purchased at almost any restaurant wholesale store.

Upon its introduction in the late 1700s, the recreational use of laughing gas was extremely popular among aristocratic circles, with many hosting laughing gas parties as a form of Victorian entertainment. However, as the equipment needed to produce the gas became increasingly inaccessible, its recreational use dwindled. Despite this, nitrous oxide has seen a major resurgence in popularity in the 21st century. Those abusing nitrous oxide acquire the gas and the paraphernalia required for consumption through completely legal means, and its legitimate uses make it extremely difficult to curtail its recreational use.

Nitrous oxide has consistently been more popular in European drug markets, but in recent years, usage has seen an uptick in the United States. Nowadays, a so-called “grey market” exists for those looking to purchase nitrous oxide, with many smoke shops and convenience stores selling flavored variations of the gas in 3-liter bottles with enticing names and flavors, including “galaxy gas.” The sale of nitrous oxide is not illegal, but its recreational use is. Because smoke shops and other convenience stores are selling flavored and abnormally large sizes of nitrous oxide, it’s clear they are intended for recreational use, not cooking. This is evident because chefs do not use flavored gas to pressurize canisters, do not use canisters of such large sizes, and most certainly do not purchase such equipment from smoke shops.

The growing availability of nitrous oxide, particularly in its flavored form, is especially concerning because it appeals to younger audiences, using marketing strategies similar to those used by big tobacco companies to hook teens and even children. With the rising popularity of nitrous oxide, many are unknowingly putting themselves at risk of major health complications when they use the drug outside of a medical context. In lower doses, the gas can result in feelings of extreme dizziness, headaches, and fits of confusion but could even escalate to memory loss, brain damage, and psychosis if used regularly.

Despite the medical and legal risks, many, including teens, still decide to “get high” off of nitrous oxide, colloquially referred to as “nox,” “whippets,” “galaxy gas,” and “buzz bombs.” In an interview with one anonymous Bay Area teen, they said, “I remember the first time I saw someone using nox [nitrous oxide] at a party, I had no idea what it was, and it wasn’t until my friend told me that it was ‘what the dentist gives you’ that I understood what they were doing.” In a separate interview, another anonymous teen explained, “I saw people at a party inflating balloons with what looked like a helium tank, and then they would sell the balloons to people at the party for a couple of dollars.”

With the use of nitrous oxide notably increasing among teens and drug trends changing faster than the government can keep up, curbing abuse of substances is very difficult. Countries like the UK, which have also seen an increase in nitrous oxide abuse, have resorted to criminalizing possession outside of its legitimate use, punishable by up to two years in prison. However, many top drug researchers and policy analysts agree that criminalization is not the solution; rather, enhancing education in drug safety and use-prevention during K-12 education is the key.