LAST UPDATE | 14 hrs ago

RECREATIONAL USE OF nitrous oxide among young people was highlighted earlier this month as a growing concern, leading to serious and potentially permanent nerve damage.

Consultant neurologist at St James’s Hospital, Professor Colin Doherty said that the uncontrolled use of industrial-sized canisters poses significant health risks including nerve damage.

Professor Doherty explained how the gas interferes with vitamin B12 metabolism which is essential for healthy nerve function. He outlined how a new group of very young people is now presenting with spinal damage, often linked to recreational use at parties.

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The warning comes amid evidence of rising use of nitrous oxide among teenagers and young adults. The latest Drug Treatment Report from the Health Research Board shows 54 people began treatment for problem use of nitrous oxide in 2024, more than half aged 17 or under. Twelve cases reported nitrous oxide as the main problem drug, with the majority reporting use alongside other substances.

Nitrous oxide has a number of industrial uses and can also be used medically. When mixed with air (50/50 gas and air), it is used as an anaesthetic gas for pain relief in dentistry and childbirth.

When inhaled, it causes a quick ‘rush’ with short-lasting effects. However, the HSE reports that when it is used in extra risky ways, in large doses or frequently over time, it can cause harm to health.

It can be found in different forms, such as in whipped cream chargers or ‘whippets’, which are small silver cartridges. It can also come as crackers with balloons attached or in large canisters that are used to fill balloons.

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Nitrous oxide is often categorised as a ‘depressant’ or ‘dissociative’ drug. A depressant drug slows the body down. A dissociative drug has effects which cause a disconnect or detachment from yourself or your surroundings.

Many people know it as ‘Laughing Gas’, ‘Whippets’, ‘Chargers’, ‘N20’ or ‘Hippy Crack’. It can be confused with C02 that also comes in silver canisters used to inflate bike tyres. Because........

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