Modern Australian
The Times Real Estate

.

what is nitrous oxide (or nangs) and how dangerous is it?

  • Written by Stephen Bright, Senior Lecturer of Addiction, Edith Cowan University

Media reports last week linked the use of “nangs” to the death of a teenager at schoolies week on the Gold Coast. Hamish Bidgood died when he fell from a balcony. He and his friends had reportedly been using “nangs” that day.

Nangs is a slang term for nitrous oxide, an anaesthetic that has been used for more than 100 years. Most people probably know it as laughing gas.

In a medical setting, it is usually inhaled, mixed with oxygen, through a small mask that fits over your nose. It is generally used to help you relax during procedures that don’t require a general anaesthetic, such as childbirth and minor dental surgery.

It has been used to help people withdraw from alcohol – with mixed results.

Read more: Weekly Dose: from laughing parties to whipped cream, nitrous oxide's on the rise as a recreational drug

Nitrous oxide is also used as a propellant to make whipped cream, sold at supermarkets for around A$10 for a box of ten canisters, and in the automotive industry to improve engine performance.

It has been used recreationally since the late 1700s, when British aristocrats held “laughing gas parties”. With the expansion of its use in medical settings in the late 1880s, and hence its availability, it became more popular as a recreational drug.

What are the effects?

Nitrous oxide provides a short-lived (20 second) high, in which people who use it feel euphoria and relaxation. They can also feel dizziness, have difficulty thinking straight, and fall into fits of laughter.

In higher doses, some people report a sense of floating and dissociation of the mind from the body, which is why in medical circles it is referred to as a dissociative anaesthetic.

How dangerous is it?

If a person has small infrequent doses, there is a low risk of significant problems with this drug.

It is very rare to overdose from recreational use of nitrous oxide, but it can affect coordination and judgement. Overdose deaths have been reported in the United Kingdom and United States but we are not aware of any in Australia.

what is nitrous oxide (or nangs) and how dangerous is it? Nitrous oxide is the seventh most popular drug worldwide, excluding caffeine, alcohol and tobacco. Lenscap Photography

Given the effects on coordination and dizziness, it shouldn’t be used in risky situations and it’s advisable to have a person present who isn’t using.

In very large doses, without the addition of oxygen, it can cause loss of blood pressure, fainting and even death by hypoxia (oxygen deficiency).

Chronic, regular heavy use is very rare, but can lead to a vitamin B12 deficiency. B12 is essential for good brain functioning and if left untreated can lead to irreversible neurological problems.

How widespread is its use?

Given its easy availability as whipped cream bulbs, the drug seems to be growing in popularity among young people.

Read more: Three charts on: Australia's changing drug and alcohol habits

Recent media stories have reported a “nang epidemic”. One newspaper claimed schoolies have been spending thousands of dollars on nitrous oxide. But the story seems to be based on a single Facebook post in which one alleged school leaver said they had spent “A$49,000 on nangs”, which equates to about 49,000 bulbs. It’s likely he was embellishing for his Facebook audience.

We don’t know for sure how many young people use this drug, or how often. Our best data source for population drug trends in Australia, the National Drug Strategy Household Survey, doesn’t specifically ask about nitrous oxide use.

Respondents to the Global Drug Survey put nangs as the seventh most popular drug worldwide, excluding caffeine, alcohol and tobacco.

Should we ban this drug?

Concern about the behaviour of youth is not new, and moral panic about drugs, in particular, is often part of this perennial worry about young people.

It is well documented that the media can influence perceptions and interest in drug use, and poor media reporting can work as an advertisement for drugs, piquing curiosity and normalising use.

The concern is that media-driven panic about drugs can create a perception that more people are using the drug than they actually are, and when teens think “everyone” is doing it, they are more likely to want to do it too.

Read more: Weekly Dose: from laughing parties to whipped cream, nitrous oxide's on the rise as a recreational drug

Research has shown that interest in a drug peaks after widespread media coverage and that restricting the availability can lead to increased use.

Prohibiting drugs does not prevent people using them, and more harmful unregulated products can emerge. Alcohol Prohibition in the 1920s, for example, merely led to demand for illicit supply that had high alcohol content and contained impurities that caused blindness, paralysis and death.

So banning nangs could cause more harm than it prevents. And it could lead to some very disgruntled whipped cream fans as well.

Authors: Stephen Bright, Senior Lecturer of Addiction, Edith Cowan University

Read more http://theconversation.com/explainer-what-is-nitrous-oxide-or-nangs-and-how-dangerous-is-it-108019

Health Heroes: 5 Unique Careers in Health and Wellness

When we think of health and wellness careers, the first roles that often come to mind are doctors and nurses. However, the world of healthcare is fa...

Biz Collection Workwear: Premium Uniforms for Australian Professionals

In this modern era, the presentation of the team matters the most in the growth of companies. The professional appearance attracts clients’ attent...

Managed IT Services for Australian Retailers

Australian retailers are constantly being compelled to deliver flawless customer experiences with tight security measures. Managed IT services, or M...

What to Consider When Looking for Family Lawyers in Brisbane

Family law issues can be deeply personal and emotionally charged, making it important to choose the right family lawyers in Brisbane. Whether you're...

Construction and Surveying: The Foundation of Modern Infrastructure

Precision and accuracy are the name of the game in construction. Construction and surveying are crucial disciplines that most public members remain ...

Why the Demand for Tutors is Growing Across Australia

As the academic stakes rise each year, students across Australia are increasingly turning to tutors to maximise their chances of success. But why the ...

House Movers in Perth: Tips for a Successful Relocation

Moving houses can be exciting, but it can also be an overwhelming process. The mere anticipation of packing up your life and transporting it somewhe...

Why Rental Property Inspections Are Important for Tenants and Landlords

Regular property inspection is one of the key components of a smooth rental experience, benefitting both the tenant and the landlord.  Experts sugge...

Beer Label Design for New Breweries: Where to Start in 2025

Imagine a customer picking up your beer based purely on its striking label. In a crowded market full of craft brews and new brands, first impression...

Functional and Fashionable: The Rise of Ladies Workwear in Australia

A perfect change in the Australian workforce has been happening in recent days. Women are contributing a lot in the male-dominated workplaces. They ...

Concrete Trailer Pump for Sale: Your Ultimate Solution for Efficient Concrete Placement

In construction projects where efficiency, precision, and flexibility are paramount, concrete trailer pumps for sale stand out as an essential piece...

Exploring Different Types of Solar Panels: Monocrystalline, Polycrystalline, and Thin-Film

The demand for solar energy continues to grow as more Australians embrace sustainable energy solutions. A crucial step in transitioning to solar pow...

Common Mistakes in Food and Wine Pairing (And How to Avoid Them)

Pairing food and wine is often considered an art, but it doesn’t have to be intimidating. The right pairing can elevate a dining experience, while...

Wine Tasting 101: A Beginner’s Guide to Smelling, Swirling, and Sipping

Wine tasting is an art form that can seem daunting to beginners, but with a little knowledge and a lot of enthusiasm, anyone can master the basics. ...

How to Fix a Clogged Shower Drain: Tips for Homeowners

A clogged shower drain is a common household issue that can be both frustrating and inconvenient. Over time, hair, soap scum, and other debris can a...

Top Trends in Electric Recliner Sofas for 2024

Electric recliner sofas have taken center level in the world of furniture layout, combining consolation, comfort, and superior generation. As we pas...

Setting Up the Perfect Home Studio for Drummers

Creating the perfect home studio for drumming is a fulfilling project that goes beyond just having a space to practice. A well-designed studio can a...

Essential Guide to Surveying Services for Land and Construction

Surveying is indispensable in all land development, real estate transactions, and construction. The core of surveys, including metric geodetic and pre...