When we discuss the dangers of substance misuse, especially among young people, we often limit the conversation to the “big three” intoxicants: alcohol, amphetamines such as ecstasy or cocaine, and opioids. While these substances present a risk and must continue being at the forefront of our conversations, there is a wide variety of other illegal or illicit substances that young people commonly misuse, often at great risk to their health, in an attempt to get high.
One such substance is nitrous oxide, something most of us know as “laughing gas.” This drug was once reserved for medical settings, as it can effectively be used for anesthesia and pain relief. However, in recent decades it has become a popular recreational drug among teenagers and young adults. Nitrous oxide is often inhaled from a balloon or a whipped cream can – referred to as doing “whippets” – which is associated with a brief feeling of euphoria.
Below we examine the misuse of nitrous oxide as a drug, explore why this drug has become popular among partying teens, and outline some of the major risks associated with nitrous oxide use.
From Laughing Gas to Whippets
While it may appear to be a new phenomenon, the inhalation of nitrous oxide recreationally actually dates back as far as the 1700s, when members of the British upper class would host “laughing gas parties.” At that time, because the availability of laughing gas was limited, the phenomenon was relatively contained.
The appeal of nitrous oxide, then and now, is that it creates a quick, euphoric high. Poet Samuel Coleridge described using laughing gas as, “like returning from a walk in the snow into a warm room.” When inhaled directly from a balloon or canister, nitrous oxide induces a brief period of lightheadedness, giddiness, and detachment from reality.
By 1840, “laughing gas” parties were popular in the United States as well. One of these parties was attended by a dentist named Horace Wells, who was the first to use this substance to administer anesthesia to patients who needed teeth removed. Many dentists still use nitrous oxide, mixed with oxygen, to sedate patients undergoing surgery.
Clearly, the use of this drug at parties is nothing new. In recent years, however, there has been a marked rise in nitrous oxide abuse, thanks in large part to the availability of large tanks of gas that are now being purchased for recreational use. Once used exclusively for industrial purposes, these tanks are now being misused at parties, festivals, and even in private settings, leading to an alarming surge in nitrous oxide consumption, In fact, nitrous oxide was made illegal in the United Kingdom at the end of 2023 after researchers in London found that so-called “whippets” had become the second most popular recreational drug among young people in the UK.[2]
Unfortunately, no such legislation has come to pass in the United States, and the ease with which tanks of nitrous oxide can be obtained has made it difficult for authorities to curb their use.
Risks of Nitrous Oxide Misuse
While nitrous oxide may seem harmless at first glance—often perceived as less risky than other drugs due to its legal status and common use in medical procedures—there are severe dangers associated with nitrous oxide misuse and abuse.[3]
1. Neurological Damage
One of the most alarming effects of nitrous oxide abuse is its impact on the nervous system, including the brain. Nitrous oxide interferes with the body’s ability to utilize vitamin B12, an essential nutrient for maintaining healthy nerve function. Chronic use can lead to a deficiency in vitamin B12, resulting in peripheral neuropathy—a condition characterized by numbness, tingling, and weakness in the limbs.
2. Psychological Dependence and Mental Health Issues
While nitrous oxide is not physically addictive, like all intoxicants, it can lead to psychological dependence. The brief, intense high it provides occasionally creates a strong desire for repeated use, especially for those who are struggling with their mental health to begin with. Over time, those who repeatedly misuse nitrous oxide are at risk of developing anxiety, paranoia, and other mental health issues, exacerbated by the gas’ effects on brain chemistry. The altered perceptions and hallucinations experienced during use can also be distressing, particularly when the high wears off.
3. Hypoxia
One of the most immediate dangers of nitrous oxide abuse is hypoxia—oxygen deprivation. When nitrous oxide is inhaled, it displaces oxygen in the lungs, leading to a lack of oxygen reaching the brain and other vital organs. This can cause dizziness, loss of consciousness, and, in severe cases, brain damage or death. The risk is even greater when large quantities of nitrous oxide are inhaled in a short period or when used in enclosed spaces where oxygen levels can quickly drop.
4. Cardiovascular Complications
Nitrous oxide can cause a temporary increase in heart rate and blood pressure, which can be dangerous for individuals with pre-existing heart conditions. In extreme cases, it can lead to sudden cardiac arrest, particularly when combined with other substances or used excessively.
Awareness and Prevention
Since nitrous oxide is becoming increasingly available – the prevalence of online retailers such as Amazon, in particular, has helped remove regulation or oversight from the purchase of this substance – it is critical that we understand its popularity as a party drug. As of 2024, nitrous oxide is legally obtainable in the United States, which can make it difficult to convince young people of its dangers. As the trend of large tank purchasing continues to rise, so too does the risk to public health in this country. By understanding the dangers and taking proactive steps to prevent abuse, we can work to protect individuals from the harmful effects of nitrous oxide and reduce the toll it takes on our communities.
[1] Kelsey-Sugg, A. (2019) ‘The laughing gas parties of the 1700s — and how they sparked a medical breakthrough.’ Australian Broadcasting Corporation, Feb 19. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-02-20/laughing-gas-parties-discovery-of-anaesthesia/10811060
[3] https://www.talktofrank.com/drug/nitrous-oxide#the-risks
