Nitrous Oxide (N20) is commonly known as the "laughing gas" due to its euphoric inhalant effect.
The dentists use it for anesthetic practice.
The dairy industry uses it as a whipping or foaming agent as it mixes so well with the cream.
Another use is for cars to speed combustion.
On the other hand, the young generation purchases it to get high.
N2O is being used increasingly as a cheap and recreational drug among teenagers and young professionals because it is basically inexpensive and widely available.
How Nitrous Oxide Works? The "laughing gas" is a depressant of the body.
It is a dissociative drug which diminishes the signals of the specific part of the body or mind.
When inhaled, N20 enters the bloodstream to the lungs.
The blood carries it throughout the whole body.
It reaches the brain quickly through the blood and affects the vital functions such as breathing and heart rate.
It even attacks the nervous system and reduces the neurotransmitters activity of the brain that regulates through body processes, behavior and emotions.
The inhalant effects facilitate a dreamlike state, a feeling of well-being, euphoria and/or floating experience.
Effects when used as a drug:
These short term effects can result to similar dangers caused by alcoholic beverages.
For example: death while driving intoxicated, operating machinery and assault; accidental injuries at home, work, sports, and road traffic accident etc.
While the gas is generally non-toxic, overuse and prolonged use in excessive amounts has been associated with the following possible long term effects:
It is illegal when N2O is used for recreational purposes.
When it is used to get high, it is considered as a crime.
The dentists use it for anesthetic practice.
The dairy industry uses it as a whipping or foaming agent as it mixes so well with the cream.
Another use is for cars to speed combustion.
On the other hand, the young generation purchases it to get high.
N2O is being used increasingly as a cheap and recreational drug among teenagers and young professionals because it is basically inexpensive and widely available.
How Nitrous Oxide Works? The "laughing gas" is a depressant of the body.
It is a dissociative drug which diminishes the signals of the specific part of the body or mind.
When inhaled, N20 enters the bloodstream to the lungs.
The blood carries it throughout the whole body.
It reaches the brain quickly through the blood and affects the vital functions such as breathing and heart rate.
It even attacks the nervous system and reduces the neurotransmitters activity of the brain that regulates through body processes, behavior and emotions.
The inhalant effects facilitate a dreamlike state, a feeling of well-being, euphoria and/or floating experience.
Effects when used as a drug:
- a pain-free state
- short-lived but intense high
- depersonalization (detached from yourself)
- derealization (external world seems strange or unreal)
- dizziness or loss of balance
- euphoria
- stimulate an already excited user
- slight hallucinations or mental confusion
- throbbing or pulsating audible hallucinations
- sedate a more relaxed user
- possible increase in libido
These short term effects can result to similar dangers caused by alcoholic beverages.
For example: death while driving intoxicated, operating machinery and assault; accidental injuries at home, work, sports, and road traffic accident etc.
While the gas is generally non-toxic, overuse and prolonged use in excessive amounts has been associated with the following possible long term effects:
- asphyxiation
- vitamin b12 deficiency (lack of red blood cells)
- folic acid interference
- neuropathy ( a problem with the nerves that carry information to and from the brain and spinal cord)
- possible brain damage
- tinnitus (ringing, whining, buzzing, hissing, humming, or whistling sounds in the ear)
- numbness in extremities
- limb spasms
- loss of ability to walk
- motor control loss
- possible paralysis
- incontinence
- Inhaling the nitrous oxide may result to death when it is inhaled with too little oxygen to breathe in.
- Nitrous oxide plus pre-existing medical conditions such as pulmonary hypertension, asthma, airway obstruction, head injury, or chest infection can equal death.
- The gas should also not be used by pregnant women as it interfere the embryonic development and might cause abortion.
It is illegal when N2O is used for recreational purposes.
When it is used to get high, it is considered as a crime.