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Is Your Teen at Risk for Nitrous Oxide Abuse?

young white teen with short hair and tan hoodie smiling and talking on the phone on a leather couch. Photo by Kaboompics
Euphoria and fatigue are some of the effects of nitrous oxide use. Photo: Kaboompics

Nitrous oxide (N₂O), commonly referred to as “laughing gas,” is experiencing a concerning rise in recreational use among teens and young adults. Once used mainly in medical and dental settings, it’s now becoming a popular substance of abuse—especially among adolescents aged 12 to 17 and college students.


While some substances like tobacco, alcohol, and opioids have declined in popularity among youth, nitrous oxide abuse and the use of hallucinogens like psilocybin are on the rise. Because N₂O is legal and easily accessible in whipped cream chargers ("whippets"), many teens mistakenly believe it’s a harmless way to get high.


In reality, nitrous oxide abuse can have serious neurological, psychological, and physical consequences. If you're a parent or caregiver, it's important to understand the risks, recognize the signs, and know how to respond.


What Is Nitrous Oxide?

Nitrous oxide was first studied for its euphoric effects in the 18th century and quickly gained popularity in social and medical circles. Historically, it has been used as an anesthetic for dental and medical procedures. It is still legitimately used in medicine today, although less commonly.


Its short-term effects—such as euphoria and laughter—are caused by a release of endorphins and suppression of GABA, a neurotransmitter that helps calm the brain. It also temporarily deprives the brain of oxygen, contributing to the "high."


However, unlike cannabis or alcohol, nitrous oxide doesn’t stay in the body long, which can make nitrous oxide abuse harder to detect. Over time, repeated use can have devastating effects on the brain and nervous system.


three cannisters of Nitrous Oxide in a white dental office. Photo: MMDental
Nitrous oxide for medical use. Photo: . MMDental .

The Short- and Long-Term Effects of Nitrous Oxide Abuse

While nitrous oxide produces a quick high, chronic use can lead to serious medical complications. Here’s what you need to know:


Short-Term Effects:

  • Euphoria;

  • Dizziness or lightheadedness;

  • Laughter or giddiness; and

  • Impaired coordination and motor skills.


Long-Term Effects:

  • Vitamin B12 deficiency, which can cause:

    • Fatigue;

    • Nerve damage;

    • Memory and concentration problems;

  • Neurological damage due to the breakdown of myelin, the protective fatty coating around nerve cells;

  • Muscle weakness and paralysis—some users may require wheelchairs;

  • Visual and auditory disturbances;

  • Cardiovascular and lung problems;

  • Altered DNA; and

  • Potential fetal drug syndromes similar to Fetal Alcohol Syndrome in the babies of pregnant N₂O users.


Repeated exposure over time makes nitrous oxide neurotoxic, especially in adolescents whose brains are still developing.


How to Recognize Nitrous Oxide Abuse in Teens

One of the challenges in identifying nitrous oxide abuse is that it doesn’t always show up on standard drug tests, and its effects are short-lived. Teens may use small cartridges of nitrous oxide used for making whipping cream to get high; they inhale the gas through balloons. Unfortunately, larger cannisters with much higher doses are available through vape lounges, the most commonly known of which is Galaxy Gas. However, there are warning signs parents can watch for.


Behavioral Clues:

  • Changes in mood or personality (e.g., increased depression or anxiety);

  • Declining school performance;

  • Social withdrawal or secrecy; and

  • Unexplained fatigue or weakness.


Physical Symptoms:

  • Tingling in hands or feet;

  • Muscle cramps or poor coordination;

  • Muscular weakness;

  • Visual disturbances; or

  • Unusual “hissing” sounds or empty whipped cream chargers in your teen’s room or belongings.


Mental Health Warning Signs:

Some symptoms of nitrous oxide abuse can mimic mental illness, including:

  • Depression

  • Anxiety

  • Difficulty concentrating

  • Psychosis-like symptoms

If your teen is being treated for a mental health condition but their symptoms persist or worsen, it may be time to consider whether substance use, particularly nitrous oxide, is contributing to the problem.


Why Teens Turn to Nitrous Oxide

There are several reasons teens may experiment with or abuse nitrous oxide:

  • Peer influence or party culture;

  • Self-medicating psychological stress or mental illnesses, especially post-pandemic;

  • Easy access to legal whipped cream chargers; and

  • Lack of awareness about the risks.


Sadly, there has been a documented increase in emergency room visits related to nitrous oxide toxicity—particularly among teens using it to cope with depression or anxiety.


What Parents Can Do about Nitrous Oxide Abuse

If you’re concerned about nitrous oxide abuse, here’s how to take action:

1. Educate Yourself and Your Teen

Learn about nitrous oxide and its dangers. Share the information in a non-confrontational way. Even if your teen rolls their eyes, they’re listening more than you think. They just need to save face in the moment.

2. Create an Open Dialogue

Avoid direct accusations. Instead, create space for honest, judgment-free conversations about substance use and mental health.

3. Watch for Warning Signs

Pay attention to both behavioral and physical symptoms. Look for unexplained changes in mood, energy levels, behavior, or mobility.

4. Consult a Professional

Talk to your pediatrician, family doctor, or a licensed mental health professional. If mental health symptoms aren’t improving with treatment, substance abuse may be a contributing factor. This is especially true for treatment-resistant depression that co-occurs with neurological symptoms.

5. Explore Teen Therapy

Therapy can help your teen address underlying mental health issues in a supportive, confidential setting. It also offers them a safe space to talk about substance use without fear of judgment.


Final Thoughts about Nitrous Oxide Abuse

While nitrous oxide may seem harmless due to its legal status and short-lived effects, the consequences of chronic use can be severe—especially for teens. By staying informed, staying connected, and seeking professional guidance when needed, you can help protect your teen from the dangers of nitrous oxide abuse and support them in leading a healthy, substance-free life. If you're concerned about your teen's behavior or think they may be using nitrous oxide, don’t hesitate to reach out to a trusted medical professional or mental health provider. Please call 661-233-6771 or click the link below to see whether your teen would benefit from working with me.




References:

Diamond, J. (5/9/25). Nitrous Oxide: Neuropsychiatric Effects. Presentation for PCI (Psychological Care Institute) Networking Breakfast. https://www.pcicenters.com/pci-events/

 


Rogers, K. (9/20/24) Kids are inhaling ‘Galaxy Gas’ to get high. Here’s what parents should know. https://www.cnn.com/2024/09/20/health/galaxy-gas-trend-nitrous-oxide-risks-wellness/index.html

 

Turnage, C. (4/2/25). Researchers Concerned About Rise in Nitrous Oxide Abuse, Deaths. https://olemiss.edu/news/2025/4/nitrous-oxide-abuse-study/index.html

 

 

 

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