Tag: Laughing gas

According to a 2022 UK report, recreational nitrous oxide was the second most used drug among 16- to 24-year-olds. While many perceive the high as harmless, the question, "Is NOS bad for you?" demands a serious look at the significant health risks associated with its misuse.

According to a 2019 survey by the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, almost 13 million Americans aged 12 and older had misused nitrous oxide in their lifetime, a number that has likely grown since. While known colloquially as 'laughing gas,' the widespread recreational use of NOS carries severe and potentially permanent health consequences.

Despite its association with a brief, exhilarating high, nitrous oxide, often nicknamed NOS or laughing gas, is scientifically classified as a central nervous system depressant, not an energy stimulant. Understanding its true effects is crucial for debunking the dangerous myth that it can provide a burst of energy.

According to the CDC, Michigan saw annual poison center calls related to nitrous oxide misuse increase four to five times between 2019 and 2023. This surge in use has many people questioning what feeling does NOS give you and the potential consequences of inhaling this substance recreationally.

According to a 2023 systematic review, elevated homocysteine and methylmalonic acid levels were found in about 80% of symptomatic recreational nitrous oxide users, indicating a functional vitamin B12 deficiency. This insidious effect can lead to severe neurological complications, even if serum B12 levels appear normal.

While severe side effects are uncommon, about 5% of patients can experience nausea or headaches after receiving nitrous oxide. Knowing what to eat after nitrous oxide is crucial for managing these potential side effects and ensuring a smooth, quick recovery.