Nitrous oxide, or “laughing gas,” is a form of sedation and has many mainstream applications in the healthcare and dental procedures. Unfortunately, its euphoric effects also make it a popular recreational drug, especially in areas like California, Texas, Florida and New York.
Despite nitrous oxide providing users with a short-term high, it can have serious side effects. Those who abuse it put themselves at risk for brain damage and oxygen deprivation. Understanding how long its effects last and how to clear nitrous oxide from the body is key to getting and staying sober.
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What is Nitrous Oxide?
The numbing and pain-relieving effects of nitrous oxide make it a popular anesthetic and analgesic in the medical and dentistry fields. Its principal function in healthcare is to alleviate discomfort and calm the nervousness of patients undergoing relatively simple operations. The quick onset of exhilaration and euphoria, however, has led to its increased appeal in recreational usage. Some people abuse nitrous oxide by inhaling it from pressurized cartridges or canisters (commonly called whippets).
Nitrous oxide is safe for use in many medical procedures, but it poses serious risks when not administered properly. While its euphoric effects are undeniable, they come with the risk of major health problems, particularly in cases of heavy or careless usage.
How Does Nitrous Oxide Affect the Body and Mind?
Inhaling nitrous oxide has an immediate impact on the central nervous system as well as the respiratory system. In addition to feeling dizzy or lightheaded, the most prevalent side effect is euphoria. Reason being, the gas enters the circulation quickly, which causes a temporary change in brain function. One of its selling points in leisure situations is the strong sedative effects, which can cause short dizziness or warped sense of time and space.
Despite nitrous oxide’s lack of physical addictiveness, it is possible to develop a psychological dependence on it. People who use it often find themselves focusing much of their time on ways to get and do more.
How Long Do the Effects of Nitrous Oxide Last?
The europhoria that people get from abusing nitrous oxide usually lasts for only one to five minutes. This is why a lot of people who misuse it go through several gas canisters every time they do it. Users typically feel the euphoric and vertiginous effects within seconds after inhalation. Some of its other side effects, like dizziness, sleepiness, and difficulty focusing, can last several minutes longer.
There may be some residual affects, such as a slight headache or lethargy, even after the main effects have worn off. Depending on the dose and the person’s susceptibility, these effects may last anywhere from a short while to many hours. A number of variables, including the quantity inhaled, the frequency of usage and the user’s tolerance level, greatly affect how long the effects of nitrous oxide last. In most cases, the severity of the side effects increases in direct proportion to the frequency of use.
Risks of Nitrous Oxide Misuse
The lasting effects of nitrous oxide extend far beyond the short-lived pleasant feelings. Because breathing nitrous oxide lowers blood oxygen levels, which causes hypoxia, one of the biggest dangers is oxygen deprivation. Many other health issues, including brain damage, heart attacks, and cardiac difficulties, may develop in a person who suffers a lack of oxygen.
Nitrous oxide side effects may also cause nerve damage if used regularly or for an extended period of time; this happens because it blocks the absorption of vitamin B12, an essential nutrient for healthy nerves. In some people, this can result in long-term or even permanent harm to the nervous system, which can manifest as tingling or numbness.
Just like any addiction, nitrous oxide misuse can complicate a person’s ability to work, go to school and meet other personal responsibilities. As time goes on, individuals may prioritize getting high above everything else. When this happens, it is very important to seek treatment as soon as possible.
On an emotional level, nitrous oxide misuse can make depressive, anxious and lonely thoughts much worse. It does this by suppressing the ability to process emotions in a healthy way; this may result in a dependency on the drug while also deepening a person’s emotional struggles. Not addressing emotional difficulties may lead to more drug use, creating a vicious cycle.
In extreme circumstances, nitrous oxide can cause psychosis or a loss of connection to reality.. The temporary impairment of cognitive function caused by the gas, in addition to these sensations, might cause users to feel confused or alone. Seeking help as quickly as possible is crucial in these situations.
Nitrous oxide misuse isn’t a problem solely found in the United States. In fact, in 2020, it was the second most commonly abused drug in the U.K. among those 16 to 24 years old. The same research reveals a shocking 13 million Americans age 12 and older reported abusing nitrous oxide at least once in their life.
Yale School of Medicine’s Tova Gardin, MD, a psychiatrist and neuroimmunologist, says it is possible to reverse major neurologic problems caused by nitrous oxide misuse when treated early. This is why knowing how to test for nitrous usage and being knowledgeable about its use are both so crucial.
How to Seek Help for Nitrous Oxide Misuse
While there are substantial health risks associated with nitrous oxide use, it is possible to recover with the right help. Taking part in counseling, therapy and support groups is paramount to addressing the root cause of the drug misuse and acquiring new coping skills.
Nitrous oxide misuse is a serious problem that requires serious treatment, and Recreate Life Counseling is here to help. We offer a variety of therapy and counseling services to help individuals explore different sedation options led by certified experts who focus on the mental and psychological aspects of addiction. We understand that addiction often coincides with a number of other mental health issues. This is why we offer dual-diagnosis services, ensuring each patient receives the care and support they need to live a sober lifestyle.
There are many factors that will help us determine the best course of treatment, which may include inpatient, outpatient, intensive outpatient or medication-assisted therapy. The most important of these factors is the severity of your drug misuse.
Outpatient and intensive outpatient programs provide patients more freedom to tend to their other obligations while receiving therapy. This is in contrast to the regimented atmosphere of inpatient programs where you must live at the facility. In some cases, patients may benefit from medication to alleviate withdrawal symptoms and cravings. An expert at Recreate Life Counseling will evaluate your specific needs and help you choose a course of therapy that will have the most impact on your rehabilitation and overall health.
No matter the course of treatment chosen, you will go through several counseling and therapy sessions during the first few weeks. If you don’t feel you can stay sober at home, we highly recommend doing an inpatient program. You’ll receive around-the-clock supervision in a safe environment away from triggers, which makes it much easier to get and stay sober.
Inpatient programs are also beneficial for nitrous oxide misuse because they give you time to focus on healing your body. At Recreate Life Counseling, we offer several treatments for body healing, including acupuncture, physical therapy, massage therapy, fitness therapy, yoga therapy, chiropractic care and more.
Conclusion
Nitrous oxide misuse can have detrimental effects on your body and mind. You should do your research on the potential side effects and risks if you or a loved one is misusing it. It’s also important to understand that treatment is available. With help from professionals, it is possible to live a normal life that doesn’t involve the use of nitrous oxide.
If you or someone you love is struggling with nitrous oxide misuse, contact Recreate Life Counseling today to book an appointment and begin your journey toward recovery and lasting wellness.
Published on: 2025-01-22
Updated on: 2025-01-30
