The possession of nitrous oxide (nang/noz) is illegal in the UK following the Government’s ban on it last November.
But whether or not the ban is having any immediate effect on the use of nitrous oxide as a recreational drug is another question.
This article will answer what an addiction to nang is and what the dangers of nang addiction and nitrous oxide abuse are.
Nang (nitrous oxide) is a gas that is made up of nitrogen and oxygen. It is commonly used for sedation and pain relief, typically in hospitals during surgery, a medical procedure or during dental procedures.
But it is also used by people recreationally to feel intoxicated and high.
For recreational uses, the gas is usually inhaled through balloons that are filled with canisters of nang (nitrous oxide).
Balloons are used due to the serious damage that can happen to your lungs if nitrous oxide is inhaled directly from the capsules.
When the gas is inhaled, the fumes enter the bloodstream incredibly quickly and effects are felt after a few seconds.
A nang addiction is when someone abuses the use of nitrous oxide due to wanting to feel the euphoria again and again. This happens when someone enjoys the feeling they experience using nitrous oxide so much that they want to use it again frequently.
This can, then, lead to a nang addiction. [1]
The exact science behind how nitrous oxide works is not completely known.
Researchers have found a few different things happen when a person takes nitrous oxide. Through observation, researchers have seen that it depresses all sensations, including hearing, touch, and pain.
It also seems to prevent some of the emotional centres in the brain from functioning properly, mildly affecting intelligence, memory, and concentration. A theory behind why nang causes euphoria is that it deprives the brain of oxygen.
Immediate effects of nitrous oxide include: [2]
Long-term use of nang can lead to health issues such as: [3]
Using nang with stimulants or other substances can place extra pressure on the heart, increase blood pressure and disrupt heart rate.
Mixing nang with other drugs such as cannabis, ketamine, LSD, and magic mushrooms can cause increased dissociation and visual or auditory hallucinations.
Using nang while drinking can also increase the risk of nausea and dizziness, and can lead to vomiting.
When using a lot of nitrous oxide, a risk can include a vitamin B12 deficiency. [4]
Vitamin B12 deficiency can be dangerous and symptoms include: [5]
Other risks of using nitrous oxide include losing consciousness, poor decision making and an increased risk of injury due to dizziness.
The reduced amount of oxygen that your brain receives while using nang can also result in the danger of developing immediate hypoxia, decreased oxygen content in the blood.
By using more and more nitrous oxide without properly administering oxygen, or even inhaling simple room air simultaneously. Hypoxia can lead to irreversible brain damage. [6]
Just like other drugs and substances, nitrous oxide can cause withdrawal symptoms if you stop using it after a period of prolonged use.
Some researchers have said that withdrawing from nitrous oxide can ‘resemble the nature and severity of alcohol withdrawal symptoms.’ [7]
As someone increases their use of nang to feel that sense of euphoria initially felt, it can soon become their primary way of experiencing an elevated mood.
If someone stops using nitrous oxide, withdrawal symptoms can include:
In more serious cases of nitrous oxide addiction, you could likely experience more distressing effects including:
An overdose of nitrous oxide or nitrous oxide poisoning happens when too much of the gas is inhaled. Overdose and chronic exposure symptoms might include:
In the event of an emergency, do not hesitate to phone for an ambulance if you or someone you know might be experiencing an overdose of nitrous oxide.
Nang can cause a nitrous oxide overdose with severe effects and health risks, so it’s important to seek help and get medical attention straight away.
Call Rehab 4 Addiction today if you think you may have a problem with using nitrous oxide (nang).
We can give you advice on where to seek help for long-term recovery.
[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3188822/
[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7891713/
[3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4453489/
[4] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5349816/
[5] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26496821/
[6] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1506823/
[7] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2787661/
Boris is our editor-in-chief at Rehab 4 Addiction. Boris is an addiction expert with more than 20 years in the field. His expertise covers a broad of topics relating to addiction, rehab and recovery. Boris is an addiction therapist and assists in the alcohol detox and rehab process. Boris has been featured on a variety of websites, including the BBC, Verywell Mind and Healthline. You can connect with Boris online at LinkedIn or X.com.
