Galaxy Gas Side Effects: Understanding the Risks of Nitrous Oxide Abuse

Clinically Reviewed by Brittany Astrom

Brittany has 15 years of experience in the Mental Health and Substance Abuse field. Brittany has been licensed for almost 8 years and has worked in various settings throughout her career, including inpatient psychiatric treatment, outpatient, residential treatment center, PHP and IOP settings.

Galaxy Gas is a slang term for nitrous oxide, a type of drug widely used in medical settings for sedation and pain relief. Dentists and medical professionals commonly use nitrous oxide sedation during dental procedures, minor procedures, and dental surgery to ease patient discomfort. However, outside medical procedures, nitrous oxide misuse is on the rise.

Often marketed with bright colors and flavors like blue raspberry or tropical punch, nitrous oxide products include cream chargers, cream dispensers, and gas canisters. Though these culinary products are primarily used for food processing propellants, individuals seeking euphoric effects have turned to them as a recreational substance.

Recreational Use

As a recreational drug, nitrous oxide users inhale gas from nitrous oxide canisters, nitrous oxide bulbs, or cream canisters to achieve a euphoric mood. The gas is typically transferred into balloons using a handheld device, such as a cream dispenser or faulty gas dispensers, before being inhaled.

Many social media platforms have fueled this dangerous trend by showing users experiencing quick feelings of happiness and giggling after inhaling nitrous oxide gas. These social media videos gain millions of views, normalizing substance misuse without showing the severe health consequences.

Medical Use

In medical settings, nitrous oxide sedation is used for dental settings, emergency care, and compassionate care. Unlike recreational use, where users experience toxic exposure, controlled medical procedures combine nitrous oxide gas with oxygen to prevent oxygen deprivation and harmful effects on the body.

Nitrous oxide is a legal substance when used for medical procedures or culinary applications. However, selling or distributing nitrous oxide for human consumption as a recreational drug is illegal in many places. The Drug Enforcement Administration and Food and Drug Administration have warned against the health hazards of inhalant abuse.

Despite restrictions, the illegal drug is widely accessible through online sales, cooking sprays, and household products. In some countries, such as Australia, the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare and the National Drug Strategy Household Survey have noted a rise in nitrous oxide addiction among youth.

Euphoria and Laughter

Inhaling nitrous oxide causes a euphoric mood, often accompanied by psychoactive effects like blurred vision, feelings of happiness, and Slurred speech.

Dizziness and Nausea

Due to the sudden drop in blood pressure, users may experience shortness of breath, irregular heartbeat, or a heart rate increase. Acute exposures can also cause nausea, dizziness, and a sense of disorientation.

Addiction Potential

Though nitrous oxide addiction is not as well understood as other illicit drugs, repeated exposure can lead to psychological dependence. Chronic exposure alters brain chemistry, leading to compulsive substance misuse.

Overdose Risks

Inhaling excessive amounts of nitrous oxide gas can lead to oxygen deprivation, increase in blood pressure, and signs of oxygen deprivation like passing out. A severe overdose can result in heart attack, cardiac arrest, or even death.

Nerve Damage

Frequent nitrous oxide misuse depletes vitamin B12, an essential nutrient for nerve health. Long-term exposure leads to nerve damage, neurological damage, and even spinal cord damage. The Cleveland Clinic warns that untreated vitamin B12 depletion may result in brain damage, spinal cord deterioration, and mental health issues.

Target Demographics

The digital media literature shows that nitrous oxide products are aggressively marketed toward young adults. Colorful packaging, influencer promotions, and easy accessibility make it appealing to teenagers.

Popularity Among Teenagers

The National Drug Strategy Household reports a rise in teenage nitrous oxide abuse, fueled by social media trends that depict common effects without showing health consequences.

Physical Symptoms

• Shortness of breath
• Drop in blood pressure
• Slurred speech
• Increase in blood pressure
• Heart palpitations
• Blurred vision

Behavioral Changes

• Mood swings
• Declining academic performance
• Hidden gas tanks or cream cans
• Involvement in social media challenges

Open Communication

Parents should discuss potential risks of nitrous oxide misuse with their children. Having an open conversation about health risks and mental health issues can encourage safer choices.

Educational Resources

Organizations like the Mental Health Services Administration provide mental health treatment facilitators and support for those struggling with inhalant abuse.

Counseling and Therapy

Dual-diagnosis treatment, behavioral therapy, and family therapy can help address the complexities of addiction. Seeking help from professionals, such as those at Rize OC, can support long-term recovery.

Support Groups

Facilities like Rize OC offer complete recovery programs for those overcoming nitrous oxide addiction. Support groups provide ongoing help for individuals battling long-term effects of substance misuse.

Though nitrous oxide may seem like a harmless recreational substance, its long-term risks include mental health issues, neurological issues, bone marrow damage, and damage to nerves. The health consequences of long-term use can include respiratory issues, cognitive impairment, and even heart disease.

Recognizing signs of oxygen deprivation and educating young people about the health hazards associated with nitrous gas cartridges is crucial. If you or someone you know is struggling with nitrous oxide addiction, seek help from mental health services and treatment professionals. Safe alternatives, such as healthier coping mechanisms and therapy, can support a lasting recovery process.

1\. What is Galaxy Gas, and why is it dangerous?

Galaxy Gas is a slang term for nitrous oxide, a gas used in medical procedures, dental settings, and culinary applications. While it is legal for medical use, it is often misused as a recreational drug. Nitrous oxide misuse can cause short-term effects like dizziness, Slurred speech, and euphoric effects, as well as long-term risks such as nerve damage, spinal cord damage, and mental health issues.

2\. Can nitrous oxide cause addiction?

Though nitrous oxide addiction is not as well-documented as other illicit drugs, frequent use can lead to psychological dependence. Chronic exposure can cause users to crave the euphoric mood it produces, leading to repeated substance misuse and serious health consequences like brain damage, neurological damage, and cognitive impairment.

3\. What are the signs that someone is abusing nitrous oxide?

Common signs of nitrous oxide abuse include shortness of breath, blurred vision, mood swings, and drop in blood pressure. Behavioral changes such as secrecy, possession of nitrous oxide canisters, and participation in social media trends promoting recreational substance use may also indicate a problem.

4\. How can someone recover from nitrous oxide dependency?

Recovery from nitrous oxide misuse often involves mental health services, including behavioral therapy, dual-diagnosis treatment, and family therapy. At Rize OC, we provide comprehensive treatment for individuals struggling with inhalant abuse, helping them develop healthier coping mechanisms and long-term recovery strategies. Our team of professionals offers personalized care to address both mental health issues and substance use concerns. If you or a loved one is struggling with nitrous oxide addiction, contact Rize OC today for support.