Nitrous oxide study shows how use of ‘nangs’ causes brain and spinal damage
Regular use of nitrous oxide, also known by the slang name nangs, can cause “devastating” neurologic consequences and lasting nerve damage, a new study outlining the drug’s dangers has warned.
The low cost and ease of access to nitrous oxide make it a popular recreational drug, especially among younger Australians.
There is no official data specifically tracking nitrous oxide use in Australia, but the 2021 Global Drug Survey lists it as the 13th most popular recreational drug in the world.
Chronic use of nitrous oxide can cause functional vitamin B12 deficiency, which can result in long-term health effects, especially neurological consequences, the University of Toronto study found.
The most common effects include degeneration of the cervical spine, and damage to motor nerves and brain function.
The study noted some users suffer disturbances to their gait, because of nerve damage to lower limbs which tend to be more severely affected by loss of sensation.
Some regular users will report symptoms including paranoia, delusions, hallucinations and behavioural changes, the study said.
Upon inhalation, users experience a rapid and short-lived rush of euphoria, happiness or excitement.
Because nitrous oxide is short-acting, some people may underestimate the risks and take large amounts of the drug which can lead to poisoning.
Inexpensive and easily obtainable online, the study said nitrous oxide is growing problem in many countries, particularly Australia and the United Kingdom.
Earlier this month police in Western Australia made a record seizure of the drug, busting a storage facility in Perth which held 180,000 nitrous oxide canisters destined for the black market.
Regular users may go through dozens of cartridges every day, the study said, with one case cited in the study describing their use of more than 500 cartridges daily.
Has your health, or the health of someone you know, been affected by nitrous oxide use?
Also known as “laughing gas,” nitrous oxide is an anesthetic sometimes used in pediatric and dental procedures.
The toxic effects of nitrous oxide are mainly caused by a deficiency of vitamin B12, an important nutrient which helps keep blood and nerve cells healthy.
Vitamin B12 also helps prevent megaloblastic anemia, a blood condition that makes people tired and weak.
Treatment includes stopping use of nitrous oxide, vitamin B12 supplementation and methionine, an essential amino acid found in meat, fish, and dairy products.
