Nitrous oxide, or “laughing gas,” is best known for its use in dental offices and whipped cream cans. But it’s becoming a popular — and dangerous — party drug, especially at concerts and festivals. Sold in balloons, it gives a quick, dizzy high that lasts only seconds. Heavy use can cause oxygen deprivation, frostbite in the mouth, brain damage, and even death.
Between 2019 and 2023, U.S. deaths linked to nitrous rose 110%, and ER visits increased 32%. Teens are a growing concern as social media makes the drug seem harmless. But repeated use can cause nerve damage, vitamin deficiencies, and other long-term health problems.
Despite the risks, nitrous is easy to buy online, in head shops, and from vendors near music venues. Regulations vary, and enforcement is rare. Health experts stress that there’s no safe way to inhale nitrous recreationally and using it alone can be deadly due to the sudden drop in oxygen levels.
SOURCE: