College Kids, An Old Drug, And Why It’s Everywhere Again

Nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas or whippets, is seeing a resurgence in popularity among young adults, especially on college campuses. Though legal for medical and culinary use, its recreational abuse has doctors concerned due to potentially severe health risks.

Why Is Nitrous Oxide Gaining Popularity Again?

• Easy Accessibility: Online retailers and smoke shops sell nitrous oxide canisters, making bulk purchases easy.
• Social Media Influence: Viral TikTok videos show users inhaling the gas, normalizing the behavior.
• Mental Health Factors: Stress, anxiety, and social pressures contribute to substance use as a coping mechanism.

Health Risks of Nitrous Oxide Abuse

• Short-term effects: Impaired vision, nausea, drowsiness, and even temporary unconsciousness.
• Long-term effects: Nerve damage, cognitive impairment, depression, and heart failure.
• Physical injuries: Cases of frostbite and burns from inhaling directly from tanks have been reported.

College Campuses See Rising Usage

• Tulane University: Students reported streets littered with metal whippet canisters during Mardi Gras 2024.
• West Virginia University: A surge in mouth and throat injuries linked to inhalant use in October 2024.

The Role of Marketing in Encouraging Abuse

Companies like Galaxy Gas and Miami Magic Infusions sell flavored nitrous oxide cartridges marketed for culinary use, but their attractive packaging and flavors draw in young, non-chef users, similar to e-cigarette marketing tactics.

What Can Parents Do?

• Start a conversation: Discuss the risks of inhalant abuse with empathy and awareness of mental health struggles.
• Monitor online purchases: Many whippets are bought online, often disguised as cooking supplies.
• Educate on alternatives: Encourage healthy coping mechanisms for stress and anxiety.

As nitrous oxide abuse resurfaces, awareness and prevention efforts are critical to protecting young adults from long-term health consequences.