We call it "nitrous oxide", "proto" or "laughing gas" and its use, which is becoming more and more widespread, worries. In 2019, the Directorate General of Health (DGS) launched the alert, because "the number and severity of side effects associated with this practice have tended to increase since 2018". Since then, the consumption of laughing gas does not seem to weaken: in a press release, the prefect of the Alpes Maritimes points the finger "an upsurge in the misuse of nitrous oxide cartridges" since the end of containment.
But that's not all: the National Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health Security (ANSES) confirms this increase and reveals that between January 1, 2017 and December 31, 2019, 66 poisonings with nitrous oxide have been registered by poison control centers. It therefore recommends strengthening regulations and improving information on laughing gas. But what is this drug that wreaks havoc on young people?
Nitrous oxide is diverted from its original use
Nitrous oxide is a gas used in the medical environment for its anesthetic and analgesic effects, but also in the food industry: it is used in particular in cartridges for whipped cream siphon as propellant. For many years, it has been diverted from its initial use and has been used for recreational purposes because it causes euphoria, uncontrollable laughter, visual and auditory distortions, a feeling of dissociation, a state of floating or even disinhibition. Since cartridges for culinary siphons containing nitrous oxide are sold freely in stores, users can easily obtain them. They then empty these small steel capsules into a balloon and inhale it. It is mainly through this that users consume laughing gas. ANSES therefore recommends that regulations be put in place regarding the access and labeling of nitrous oxide for its food use.
Young people, the main consumers of laughing gas
The recreational use of nitrous oxide has been observed since 1999 by the Trend device (Recent trends and new drugs). At the time, the laughing gas was mostly consumed in the alternative techno party scene. This is no longer the case today: this drug also circulates in general festivals, in student evenings, but also in public spaces. Its users are young: it is mainly consumed by high school students and students. In 2018, the health barometer of the Smerep mutual fund revealed that it was the third most consumed psychoactive product among students. Among the 66 nitrous oxide poisonings identified by poison control centers between 2017 and 2019, more than half of the users were between 20 and 25 years old.
The proto can cause neurological disorders
The laughing gas causes euphoria, uncontrollable laughter, visual and auditory distortions, a feeling of dissociation, a state of floating and uninhibition. If these effects only last a few minutes, its dangerousness should not be minimized.
And for good reason: the consumption of nitrous oxide can also cause nausea, vomiting, headache, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, drowsiness, dizziness or tinnitus. These effects usually disappear in about fifteen minutes or a few hours.
But regular, high-dose nitrous oxide consumption can have serious health consequences. It then causes a deficiency in vitamin B12 which can lead to serious neurological disorders, with damage to the nervous system and the spinal cord. Result? The use of laughing gas can be associated with paralysis of the lower limbs or with a disease of the nervous system.
Other health problems like anemia and mental health problems can also be caused by the consumption of nitrous oxide. An overdose can also cause respiratory distress that can lead to death.
Nitrous oxide can be addictive
Like all drugs, recreational use of nitrous oxide can be addictive. In question ? It is sold freely, it is not expensive and its effects disappear very quickly, which can lead to overconsumption. When a user stops nitrous oxide after consuming it regularly and in high doses, he may thus be confronted with symptoms typical of addiction such as anxiety, agitation, abdominal pain and tremors. .
ANSES therefore recommends improving information on the dangers of inhaling nitrous oxide among young consumers. "through nurses or school doctors, by associations working in schools and universities, through targeted communication in party places", but also by health professionals.
Sources: theFrench Monitoring Center for Drugs and Drug Addiction (OFDT), Drug Info Service and the National Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health Safety (ANSES).
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